Old Coins Of Nepal | Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah Dev | All Coins Of Nepal | Old Coins Collection

Old Coins Of Nepal | Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah Dev | All Coins Of Nepal | Old Coins Collection

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History of Coins in Nepal
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Coins in Nepal have a long history, dating back to ancient times, and their development can be traced through various historical periods.

1. Ancient Period (c. 500 BCE – 300 CE)

Punch-marked coins: The earliest coins in Nepal were punch-marked coins (c. 500 BCE to 200 CE). These coins were made of silver and copper and had various symbols punched onto them. They were in circulation during the time of the Shakya and Licchavi kingdoms.

Janapada coins: Before the rise of central kingdoms, various republics or Janapadas in the region issued their coins. These coins were often circular and rectangular and carried the mark of these republics.


2. Licchavi Period (300 – 879 CE)

Licchavi coins: During the Licchavi dynasty, the first known local Nepalese coins were issued. These were predominantly gold coins and were inscribed with the king’s name and religious symbols. Coins from the reign of King Mandeva (r. 464-505 CE) are particularly significant. His coins often featured the inscription “Sri Mandeva” and a stylized figure of Garuda, the mythical bird.

Religious motifs: The coins of this era often featured Hindu and Buddhist symbols, showing the influence of both religions on the Licchavi rulers.


3. Malla Period (12th – 18th Century)

Malla coins: The Malla period was significant for the further development of Nepalese coinage. The Malla kings, who ruled over the Kathmandu Valley and other parts of Nepal, issued silver and copper coins, known for their artistic designs. Coins had intricate inscriptions, including names of kings and religious symbols like images of deities and celestial figures.

Innovations in coin design: The Malla coins were square or round and often contained inscriptions in Newari or Sanskrit. The kings also introduced silver coins, like Mohars and Tankas, which were widely circulated in trade and commerce.


4. Shah Dynasty (18th Century – 20th Century)

Prithvi Narayan Shah and Unification: The Shah dynasty, starting with Prithvi Narayan Shah, unified Nepal in the 18th century. With the unification, the Shah kings issued a standardized form of coinage for the newly united kingdom. The earliest coins featured the name of Prithvi Narayan Shah and his successors.

Sikka (coins): During this period, silver and copper coins known as Sikka were issued. Coins were often minted locally in various regions of Nepal. In 1903, under the rule of King Tribhuvan, Nepal introduced its first machine-minted coins, which were more uniform in weight and size.


Mohar coins: The Mohar, a silver coin, became one of the main currencies during the Shah dynasty. Copper coins were also issued for smaller transactions.


5. Rana Period (1846 – 1951)

Rana influence on coinage: During the Rana rule, which began in 1846, Nepalese coinage continued to evolve. The Ranas, who served as de facto rulers under the Shah kings, introduced coins with their names and titles alongside those of the kings. Machine-minting was further developed, and the Rupee became the main currency denomination.



6. Modern Period (1951 – Present)

Post-1951 Democratic era: After the fall of the Rana regime in 1951 and the beginning of a democratic system, Nepal’s coinage began to feature more contemporary symbols, such as the Pashupatinath Temple, Mount Everest, and other national symbols. The Nepal Rastra Bank, established in 1956, took responsibility for issuing coin and notes.

Decimal system and modern coins: Nepal adopted the decimal system for its currency in 1932, and modern coins have denominations in Rupees (Rs) and Paisa.


Contemporary coins: Today, coins in Nepal are issued in various denominations, with 1, 2, 5, and 10 rupees being common. They are made of different materials like nickel, brass, and copper alloys. Modern coins reflect the nation’s culture and heritage, with images of national landmarks, historical figures, and wildlife.


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