1 BTN #43

Front

The front depicts traditional Bhutanese mythological imagery featuring paired dragons (druk) flanking a central double dorje (vishvavajra or crossed thunderbolt) within a circular medallion, surrounded by elaborate cloud and flame motifs rendered in the distinctive Bhutanese Buddhist artistic style. The dragons represent Druk, the Thunder Dragon of Bhutanese mythology and the national symbol of Bhutan. The text is in Dzongkha script at top, with serial numbers in both corners. The word 'Chairman' appears at bottom center.

Back

Simtokha Dzong, the first dzong (fortress-monastery) built in Bhutan, constructed in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of the Bhutanese state. Located approximately 5 kilometers south of Thimphu, it served as a strategic fortress protecting the entrance to the Thimphu valley and now houses a monastic school. The dzong represents Bhutan's unique architectural heritage combining religious and administrative functions, with its characteristic sloping walls, towers, and Buddhist architectural elements. The text 'ROYAL MONETARY AUTHORITY OF BHUTAN' appears at top, 'ONE NGULTRUM' at bottom left, with denomination '1' at bottom right and Dzongkha script.

History

This note belongs to Bhutan's third series of ngultrum banknotes, issued between 1986 and 1992 by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan. The ngultrum was introduced in 1974, replacing the Indian rupee as Bhutan's national currency, though it remains pegged at parity with the Indian rupee and both currencies circulate in Bhutan. This series introduced more elaborate traditional Bhutanese Buddhist artistic motifs, showcasing the nation's cultural heritage and the central role of Vajrayana Buddhism in Bhutanese identity. The 1 ngultrum denomination was among the lowest denominations issued and has since been largely replaced by coins.