5 NPR #373

Front

Himalayan Musk Deer (Moschus leucogaster) in their native mountain habitat, with Mount Everest or similar Himalayan peak in the background. The musk deer are endemic to the Himalayan region and were historically hunted for musk; they represent Nepal's unique alpine wildlife. The royal coat of arms of Nepal appears at upper right, featuring crossed kukri knives, the cow and pheasant supporters, and the royal crown with the motto in Devanagari script. An ornate pillar with the royal emblem at center left frames the scene.

Back

Kasthamandap temple in Kathmandu, a historic three-tiered pagoda-style temple built in the 16th century from the wood of a single tree ('kastha' meaning wood, 'mandap' meaning pavilion). The temple gave Kathmandu its name and was a significant landmark in Durbar Square until its destruction in the 2015 earthquake. Mount Machapuchare (Fishtail Mountain) appears at left. The text reads 'Nepal Rastra Bank' in Devanagari at top, with denomination 'Rupaya Panch' (Five Rupees) prominently displayed.

History

This 5 rupee note belongs to the King Mahendra series issued by Nepal Rastra Bank from 1961–1972, during the reign of King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev (1955–1972). The series was introduced following Nepal's modernization of its currency system. The note features distinctly Nepali imagery: the Himalayan musk deer representing the country's unique mountain wildlife, and the Kasthamandap temple representing cultural heritage. The visible date '२०१९' in Devanagari numerals corresponds to Bikram Sambat year 2019, which is 1962/1963 CE. This places the note in the early 1960s issue period. The note has been demonetized and is no longer legal tender, replaced by subsequent series. Serial number visible as 'ने ८३८४९२' with prefix 'ने' (ne).