5 Tam

Tibet's first paper currency issue, and among the few examples anywhere of a government printing its own notes on locally produced paper using woodblock techniques — no foreign security printer was involved at any stage. The printing quality is accordingly inconsistent between examples, with ink distribution varying noticeably depending on pressure applied during hand-block production.

The "Tam" denomination was unique to Tibetan monetary reckoning, sitting in a system largely based on the Tibetan Srang. This inaugural series circulated alongside Chinese silver coinage and Nepalese currency, all of which remained in common use throughout the plateau.