½ Rupee / Deb Period I ND
| Copper | 3.91 g | 19.75 mm |
| Issuer | Bhutan |
|---|---|
| Ruling authority | First Period (1790-1840) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1790-1820 |
| Value | ½ Rupee |
| Currency | Rupee (1789-1957) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 3.91 g |
| Diameter | 19.75 mm |
| Thickness | 2.33 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#47926 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 57% |
Comment
The tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is called the “Dragon Kingdom”. It was established as a priestly monarchy in 1652. For many years it used coins from the nearby Indian state of Cooch Behar. It started to strike its own coins about 1790, after the British East India Company closed the Cooch Behar mint. The undated coins, denominated as Deb (1/2) Rupees, were originally good silver; however by about 1840 the coins became heavily alloyed with copper. The copper Deb Rupees continued to be struck until about 1910. The Deb Rupee was the only denomination struck by Bhutan until the 20th century. Though the basic design remained unchanged, there are numerous varieties, making a fascinating collecting area.Interesting fact
The interesting fact about this coin is that it was used as a medium of exchange in Bhutan during a time when the country was still largely isolated from the rest of the world. The coin's design and materials reflect the resources and craftsmanship available in Bhutan at the time, and its use helped to facilitate trade and commerce within the country. Despite its small denomination, the coin holds significant historical and cultural value, offering a glimpse into the economic and social practices of Bhutan during the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ND (1790-1820) | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for ½ Rupee / Deb (Period I) ND (1790-1820) coin.
