Set Description:
The paper money of Bhutan is denominated in the ngultrum. (One US dollar equals approximately 82 ngultrum.) Previous to the ngultrum’s introduction in 1974, the Indian rupee was the coin of the realm. The rupee is still accepted as legal tender in Bhutan alongside the ngultrum.
Bhutan’s paper money features three common themes: The king, architecture and Buddhism. Every note has at least two of these themes and many have all three. Some notes feature the royal emblem in lieu of the king. Every note has a portrait of one of several dzongs on the back. Historically, a dzong served as a fortress and monastery. Today they are a combined administrative center and monastery. Buddhist religious symbols and/or good luck symbols are found on every note.
I found the most difficult notes to acquire are P4, P10 and P11. P4, 100 ngultrum, is the key to the collection. Don’t expect to find an uncirculated example, but circulated notes come up for auction every now and then. While not as expensive as P4, P10 and P11 can be difficult to find.
For a real challenge, try collecting replacement notes. Look for the serial number prefix Z. Starting with P5, replacements are known for most of the notes.
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