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.
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.