Bhutan - Silver 1/2 Rupee (Deb) Extra Dot - 1st Period

November 2024

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A First Period type listed in KM as 1.1, I'm not sure if this is a separate variety but I've seen this type described as an 'extra dot' variety.
This exceptional example is a good solid silver type from the 1st Period of coinage. The first period (1790 1840 A.D.) includes coins struck on a Cooch Behar (India) model. This is KM# 1.1 with the 'ball' symbol incorporated into the design.
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 with the rare exception of a full Rupee KM# A[&B] 23. Though the basic design remained unchanged, there are numerous varieties, making a fascinating collecting area. (Joel Anderson)

VIEW & DOWNLOAD:
Bhutan Coinage - Rhodes
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The Coinage of Bhutan - Bronney
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