© Copyright 1995-2023, Clay Irving <clay@panix.com>
Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan | ||
| The first banknotes were issued by the Ministry of Finance in 1974, coinciding with the coronation of His Majesty Druk Gyalpo Jigme Wanchuck. The Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMA) was established under the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan Act, passed by the 56th session of the National Assembly of Bhutan in 1982. | ||
Issue 1 | ||
 | P1 - 1 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1974 (No date on the banknote) — Coinciding with the Coronation of King Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck (4th King) Serial Number: F/2 4490704 Front: Dragon design at left and right, parasol (one of the eight auspicious symbols) in a circle at the bottom left corner, "Royal Government of Bhutan" in Dzongkha at top in 2 lines Back: A wheel ((one of the eight auspicious symbols)at the bottom right corner, "Royal Government of Bhutan" in English at top in 2 lines Signature: Signature: Princess Sonam Choden Wangchuck Printer: India Security Press Size: 91 x 63 mm | |
 | P2 - 5 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1974 (No date on the banknote) — Coinciding with the Coronation of King Druk Gyalpo Jigme Singye Wangchuck (4th King) Serial Number: D/1 044643 Front: Side protrait of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck wearing a Raven Crown at center, national emblem of Bhutan at left, "Royal Government of Bhutan" in Dzongkha at top in 1 line Back: Simtokha Dzong, a victorious banner (one of the eight auspicious symbols in a circle on the right, "Royal Government of Bhutan" in English at top in 1 line Signature: Signature: Princess Sonam Choden Wangchuck Printer: India Security Press Size: 117 x 63 mm | |
Issue 2 | ||
 | P5 - 1 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1978 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: A/1 5102154 Front: Royal Government crest in a circle at center between facing dragons holding conch shells (on of the eight auspicious symbols), serial number at upper center left and upper center right, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line Back: Simtokha Dzong at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in two lines, mythical figures in both corners Signature: Mr. Yeshi Dorji Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD. Size: 155 x 66 mm
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 | P6 - 2 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1978 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: B/1 0884443 Front: Royal Government crest in a circle at center between facing dragons holding conch shells (on of the eight auspicious symbols), serial number at upper center left and upper center right, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line Back: Simtokha Dzong at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in two lines, mythical figures in both corners Signature: Mr. Yeshi Dorji Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD. Size: 155 x 66 mm | |
 | P7 - 5 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1978 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: C/1 0107869 Front: Royal Government crest in a circle at center between mythological birds (Bja Tshering) on each side, serial number at upper left and upper right, "Royal Government of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line Back: Paro Dzong at center, "Royal Government of Bhutan" in English at top center in one line Signature: Mr. Yeshi Dorji Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD. Size: 156 x 67 mm | |
 | P8 - 10 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1978 (No date on the banknote) Prefix Number: D1 Serial Number: D/1 0131835 Royal Government crest in a circle at left, Dungkar (Conch), one of the eight auspicious symbols at center, side portrait of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck wearing a raven crown at right, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in two lines Back: Paro Dzong at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in one line Watermark: None Signature: Mr. Yeshi Dorji Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD, UK Size: 157 x 67 mm Raven is the national bird of Bhutan. Raven, which represents the chief guardian deity of Bhutan Gonpo Jarodongchen (raven headed Mahakala), also ornaments the royal crown. | |
 | P9 - 20 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1978 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: E/1 0211899 Royal Government crest in a circle at left, Khorlo (Wheel of Dharma), one of the eight auspicious symbols at center, front portrait of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck wearing a cap at right, "Royal Government of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in two lines Back: Punakha Dzong at center, "Royal Government of Bhutan" in English at top center in two lines Watermark: None Signature: Mr. Yeshi Dorji Size: 156 X 67 mm | |
Issue 3 | ||
 | P12 - 1 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1986 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: A/2 0657007 Front: Royal Government crest in a circle at center between facing dragons, serial number at lower left and upper right, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line Back: Simtokha Dzong at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in two lines Signature: Princess Sonam Choden Wangchuck Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD. Size: 115 x 62 mm | |
 | P13 - 2 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1986 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: B/1 6499217 Front: Royal Government crest in a circle at center between dragons on each side, serial number at lower left and upper right, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line Back: Simtokha Dzong at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in one line Signature: Princess Sonam Choden Wangchuck Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD. Size: 122 X 62 mm | |
 | P14 - 5 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1985 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: C/1 3756587 Front: Royal Government crest in a circle at center between mythological birds (Bja Tshering) on each side, serial number at lower left and upper right, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line Back: Paro Dzong at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in one line Signature: Lyonpo Dorji Tshering Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD. Size: 130 x 62 mm | |
 | P14 - 5 Ngultrum Replacement Note Issue Date: 1985 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: Z/1 0110394 Front: Royal Government crest in a circle at center between mythological birds (Bja Tshering) on each side, serial number at lower left and upper right, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line Back: Paro Dzong at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in one line Signature: Lyonpo Dorji Tshering Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD. Size: 130 x 62 mm | |
 | P15a - 10 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1986 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: D/1 7082065 Royal Government crest in a circle at left, Dungkar (Conch), one of the eight auspicious symbols at center, side portrait of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck wearing a raven crown at right, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in two lines Back: Paro Dzong at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in two lines Watermark: "ROYAL MONETARY AUTHORITY" running along the top and bottom borders Signature: Princess Sonam Choden Wangchuck Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD Size: 139 x 70 mm Raven is the national bird of Bhutan. Raven, which represents the chief guardian deity of Bhutan Gonpo Jarodongchen (raven headed Mahakala), also ornaments the royal crown. | |
 | P16a - 20 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1986 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: E/1 1760835 Royal Government crest in a circle at left, Khorlo (Wheel of Dharma), one of the eight auspicious symbols at center, front portrait of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck wearing a cap at right, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in two lines Back: Punakha Dzong at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in two lines Watermark: "ROYAL MONETARY AUTHORITY" running along the top and bottom borders Signature: Princess Sonam Choden Wangchuck Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD. Size: 152 X 70 mm | |
 | P17a - 50 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1985 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: F/1 0743712 Front: Portrait of King Jihme Dorji Wangchuk (3rd King) wearing a cap at right, Royal Government crest in a circle at left, Khorlo (Wheel of Dharama), one of eight auspicious symbols, at center, serial number at lower left and at upper right Back: Tongsa Dzong at center, two mythical birds (Bja Tshering) at both sides, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in two lines UV: Number 50 in fluorescent green square at center on front, fluorescent green fibers Signature: Princess Sonam Choden Wangchuck Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, Ltd. Size: 155 x 70 mm | |
 | P18a - 100 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1985 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: G/1 0636914 Royal Government crest in a circle at left, Norbu Rimpochhe, one of the seven auspicious gems at center, side portrait of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck wearing a raven crown at right, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line Back: Tashichho Dzong at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in three lines, dragons in top corners Watermark: "ROYAL MONETARY AUTHORITY" running along the top and bottom borders Signature: Princess Sonam Choden Wangchuck Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD. Size: 161 X 70 mm | |
Issue 4 | ||
 | P15b - 10 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1989 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: DE0556832 Front: Royal Government crest in a circle at left, Dungkar (Conch), one of the eight auspicious symbols at center, side portrait of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck at right, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in two lines Back: Paro Dzong at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in two lines Watermark: "ROYAL MONETARY AUTHORITY" running along the top and bottom borders Signature: Princess Sonam Choden Wangchuck Printer: Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation (KOMSCO) Size: 140 x 70 mm | |
 | P16b - 20 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1989 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: EB0626347 Front: Royal Government crest in a circle at left, Khorlo (Wheel of Dharma), one of the eight auspicious symbols at center, side portrait of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck at right, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in two lines Back: Punakha Dzong at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in two lines Watermark: "ROYAL MONETARY AUTHORITY" running along the top and bottom borders Signature: Princess Sonam Choden Wangchuck Printer: Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation (KOMSCO) Size: 152 X 70 mm | |
 | P17b - 50 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1989 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: FD0672170 Front: Portrait of King Jihme Dorji Wangchuk (3rd King) wearing a cap at right, Royal Government crest in a circle at left, Khorlo (Wheel of Dharama), one of eight auspicious symbols, at center, serial number at lower left and vertical serial number at right Back: Tongsa Dzong at center, two mythical birds (Bja Tshering) at both sides, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in one line UV: Number 50 in fluorescent green square at center on front, fluorescent green fibers Signature: Princess Sonam Choden Wangchuck Printer: Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation (KOMSCO) Size: 155 x 70 mm | |
 | P18b - 100 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1989 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: GB0525781 Royal Government crest in a circle at left, Norbu Rimpochhe, one of the seven auspicious gems at center, side portrait of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck wearing a raven crown at right, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line Back: Tashichho Dzong at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in three lines, dragons in top corners Watermark: "ROYAL MONETARY AUTHORITY" running along the top and bottom borders Signature: Princess Sonam Choden Wangchuck Printer: Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation (KOMSCO) Size: 161 X 70 mm | |
Issue 5 | ||
 | P12 - 1 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1993 (No date on the banknote) Prefix Numbers: A/3, A/4, A/5 Serial Number: A/5 0748213 Front: Royal Government crest in a circle at center between facing dragons, serial number at lower left and upper right, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line Back: Simtokha Dzong at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in two lines Signature: Lyonpo Dorji Tshering Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD. Size: 115 x 62 mm | |
 | P14 - 5 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1994 (No date on the banknote) Prefix Numbers: C/3, C/4, C/5 Serial Number: C/4 9982745 Front: Royal Government crest in a circle at center between mythological birds (Bja Tshering) on each side, serial number at lower left and upper right, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line Back: Paro Dzong at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in one line Signature: Lyonpo Dorji Tshering Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD. Size: 130 x 62 mm | |
| P15a - 10 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1994 (No date on the banknote) Prefix Numbers: D/3, D/4 Serial Number: D/3 3352619 Royal Government crest in a circle at left, Dungkar (Conch), one of the eight auspicious symbols at center, side portrait of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck wearing a raven crown at right, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in two lines Back: Paro Dzong at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in two lines Watermark: "ROYAL MONETARY AUTHORITY" running along the top and bottom borders Signature: Lyonpo Dorji Tshering Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD Size: 140 x 70 mm | |
 | P23 - 20 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1994 (No date on banknote) Serial Number: E/4 7773393 Front: Royal Government crest in a circle at left, Portrait of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (3rd King) wearing a cap at right, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in two lines Back: Punakha Dzong at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in two lines UV: Number 20 in fluorescent green square at center on front, fluorescent green fibers Signature: Lyonpo Dorji Tshering Size: 153 x 70 mm | |
 | P19 - 50 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1994 and 1998 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: F/3 0079385 Front: Portrait of King Jihme Dorji Wangchuk (3rd King) wearing a cap at right, Royal Government crest in a circle at left, Khorlo (Wheel of Dharama), one of eight auspicious symbols, at center, serial number at lower left and vertical serial number at right Back: Tongsa Dzong at center, two mythical birds (Bja Tshering) at both sides, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in one line UV: Number 50 in fluorescent green square at center on front, fluorescent green fibers Signature: Lyonpo Dorji Tshering Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD. Size: 155 x 70 mm | |
 | P20 - 100 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1994 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: G/3 1616730 Royal Government crest in a circle at left, Norbu Rimpochhe, one of the seven auspicious gems at center, side portrait of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck wearing a raven crown at right, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line Back: Tashichho Dzong at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center a single line, dragons in top corners, a cloud motif below the issuing authority name Watermark: "ROYAL MONETARY AUTHORITY" running along the top and bottom borders Signature: Lyonpo Dorji Tshering Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD Size: 161 X 70 mm | |
Issue 6 | ||
 | P21 - 500 Ngultrum Issue Date: 1994 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: H/1 414441 Front: Royal Government crest in a circle at left, Portrait of King Ugyen Wangchuk (1st King) wearing a Raven Crown at right, several cloud patterns in diamond form encircled by two dragons at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line at top center, horizontal ascending serial number at lower left, vertical ascending serial number at left of portrait Back: Punakha Dzong at center, Endless Knot, one of the eight auspicious symbols at upper center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in one line UV: Number 500 in fluorescent green square at center on front, fluorescent green fibers, fluorescent yellow clouds at center, fluorescent orange horizontal ascending serial number Signature: Lyonpo Dorji Tshering Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD. Size: 160 x 70 mm | |
Issue 7 | ||
 | P22 - 10 Ngultrum Issue Date: Prefix D/4 issued in 2000, Prefix D/5 issued in 2000 and again in 2005 Serial Number: D/5 4737864 Front: Royal Government crest in a circle at left, Portrait of King Jigme Singye Wangchuk (4th King) at right, Dungkar (Conch), one of the eight auspicious symbols at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in two lines Back: Paro Dzong at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in two lines UV: Number 10 in fluorescent green square at center on front, fluorescent green fibers Signature: Lyonpo Yeshi Zimba Size: 140 x 70 mm | |
 | P25 - 100 Ngultrum Issue Date: 2005 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: G/5 0954448 Front: Portrait of King Jigme Singye Wangchuk (4th King) at right, Norbu Rimpochhe, one of the seven auspicious gems, at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line at top center, horizontal ascending serial number at lower left, vertical ascending serial number at left of portrait Back: Tashichho Dzong at center, dragons in top left and right corners, Endless Knot, one of the eight auspicious symbols at upper center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in one line UV: Number 100 in fluorescent green square at center on front, fluorescent green fibers, fluorescent green horizontal ascending serial number Signature: Lyonpo Yeshi Zimba Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD. Size: 161 x 70 mm | |
 | P26 - 500 Ngultrum Issue Date: 2000 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: H/2 0947747 Front: Portrait of King Ugyen Wangchuk (1st King) wearing a Raven Crown at right, several cloud patterns in diamond form encircled by two dragons at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line at top center, horizontal ascending serial number at lower left, vertical ascending serial number at left of portrait Back: Punakha Dzong at center, Endless Knot, one of the eight auspicious symbols at upper center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in one line UV: Number 500 in fluorescent green square at center on front, fluorescent green fibers, fluorescent yellow clouds at center, fluorescent orange horizontal ascending serial number Signature: Lyonpo Yeshi Zimba Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD. Size: 161 x 70 mm | |
Issue 8 | ||
 | P24 - 50 Ngultrum Issue Date: 2003 (No date on the banknote) Serial Number: F/4 7993462 Front: Portrait of King Jihme Dorji Wangchuk (3rd King) wearing a cap at right, Royal Government crest in a circle at left, Khorlo (Wheel of Dharama), one of eight auspicious symbols, at center, serial number at lower left and vertical serial number at right Back: Tongsa Dzong at center, two mythical birds (Bja Tshering) at both sides, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in one line Signature: Lyonpo Dorji Tshering Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD. Size: 155 x 70 mm | |
Issue 9 | ||
 | P27 - 1 Ngultrum Issue Date: November 2006 (Printed on banknote as "Series 2006") Serial Number: I06221638 Flaming Wheel of Law, one of the seven treasures of the universal monarch, at center with dragons on each side, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line at top center, intaglio printed circle at lower right which may be used by visually impaired people to identify the denomination Back: Simtokha Dzong palace, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in one line Signature: Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD. Size: 120 x 60 mm Built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who unified Bhutan, Simtokha Dzong is the first of its kind built in Bhutan. Besides standing as an important religious/historical monument, it also houses one of the premier Dzongkha (Bhutan's national language)learning institute. It is located about 3 miles south of the capital, Thimphu. | |
 | P28 - 5 Ngultrum Issue Date: 2006 (Printed on banknote as "Series 2006") Serial Number: J01841180 Front: Khorlo (Wheel of Dharama), one of eight auspicious symbols, at center with mythological birds (Bja Tshering — Phoenix, the bird of long life) on each side, "The Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzongkha at top, intaglio printed circle/line at lower right which may be used by visually impaired people to identify the denomination Back: Taktsang Monastery Signature: Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD. Size: 126 x 60 mm The Taktsang Monastery is the most famous Bhutanese monastery located in the Paro valley, western Bhutan. Perched on a cliff 900 meters above the valley, the Taktsang monastery is a must see sight while traveling in Bhutan. It is also known as "Tiger's Nest" because Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. He then meditated in a cave here for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Bhuddism in Bhutan. | |
 | P29 - 10 Ngultrum Issue Date: 2007 (Printed on banknote as "Series 2006") Serial Number: K02637580 Front: King Jigme Singye Wangchuk (4th King) at right, Dungkar (Conch), one of the eight auspicious symbols at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line, intaglio printed circle/line/circle at lower right which may be used by visually impaired people to identify the denomination Back: Paro Dzong palace, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in one line Watermark: King Jigme Singye Wangchuk Signature: Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu Size: 125 x 65 mm | |
 | P30 - 20 Ngultrum Issue Date: 2007 (Printed on banknote as "Series 2006") Serial Number: L01103681 Front: King Jigme Doriji Wangchuk (3rd King) at right, Khorlo (Wheel of Dharama), one of eight auspicious symbols at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line, intaglio printed circle/line/circle/line at lower right which may be used by visually impaired people to identify the denomination Back: Punakha Dzong palace Watermark: King Jigme Singye Wangchuk Signature: Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu Size: 132 x 65 mm | |
 | P31 - 50 Ngultrum Replacement Note Issue Date: 03 November 2008 (Printed on the banknote as "Series 2008") to mark the coronation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Serial Number: Z/5 00010270 "Z/5" prefix indicates a replacement note Front: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (5th King) at right, Khorlo (Wheel of Dharama), one of eight auspicious symbols at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line, intaglio printed circle/line/circle/line/circle at lower right which may be used by visually impaired people to identify the denomination, horizontal serial number lower left, vertical serial number at right Back: Trongsa Dzong, solid security thread Watermark: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Signature: Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji Printer: Thomas De La Rue Size: 145 x 70 mm His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was crowned the fifth king of Bhutan in November 2008. He is currently the world's youngest reigning monarch at 28 years old when he became king. Trongsa Dzong, built in 1644, used to be the seat of power of the Wangchuck dynasty before it became rulers of Bhutan in 1907. Traditionally the King of Bhutan first becomes the Penlop (governor) of Trongsa before being named Crown Prince and eventually King. Built on a mountain spur high above the gorges of the Mangde Chhu, the dzong controlled east-west trade for centuries. The only road connecting eastern and western Bhutan (the precursor to the modern Lateral Road), passed through the courtyard of the dzong. At the command of the penlop the massive doors could be shut, dividing the country in two. | |
 | P32 - 100 Ngultrum Issue Date: 2007 (Printed on banknote as "Series 2006") Serial Number: N05421729 Front: King Jigme Singye Wangchuk (4th King) at right, Norbu Rimpochhe, one of the seven auspicious gems, at center, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line at top center, horizontal ascending serial number at lower left, vertical ascending serial number at right of portrait, intaglio printed circle/line/circle/line/circle/line at lower right which may be used by visually impaired people to identify the denomination Back: Tashichho Dzong palace, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in one line Watermark: King Jigme Singye Wangchuk Signature: Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD. Size: 146 x 70 mm | |
 | P33 - 500 Ngultrum Issue Date: 2007 (Printed on banknote as "Series 2006") Serial Number: P04987205 Front: King Ugyen Wangchuk (1st King) wearing a Raven Crown at right, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line at top center, horizontal ascending serial number at lower left, vertical ascending serial number at right of portrait, intaglio printed circle/line/circle/line/circle/line/circle at lower right which may be used by visually impaired people to identify the denomination Back: Punakha Dzong palace, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in one line Watermark: King Jigme Singye Wangchuk Signature: Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD. Size: 153 x 70 mm | |
 | P-NEW - 1000 Ngultrum Issue Date: 03 November 2008 (Printed on the banknote as "Series 2008") to mark the coronation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Serial Number: R00223194 Front: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (5th King) with Raven Crown, Khorlo (Wheel of Dharama), one of eight auspicious symbols at center, Norbu Rimpochhe, one of the seven auspicious gems at center above Khorlo, a Dakini descending from heaven to offer the Raven Crown to the King at top left corner, gold embossed national emblem seal at lower right corner, fierce head of swooping male dragons at bottom left and top right corners, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in Dzohgkha at top center in one line at top center, intaglio printed circle/line/circle/line/circle/line/circle/line at lower right which may be used by visually impaired people to identify the denomination Back: Tashichho Dzong, embossed Khorlo at upper left, "Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan" in English at top center in one line, windowed security thread with demetalized RMA 1000 UV: Fluorescent yellow rectangle at center right with denomination underneath, yellow and red fluorescent fibers Watermark: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Signature: Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji Printer: Thomas De La Rue and Company, LTD Size: 165 x 70 mm The note was designed by Dasho Karma Ura and Sonam Phuntsho of Center for Bhutan Studies and incorporates many traditional features and symbols. | |
 | P-NEW - 100 Ngultrum Commemorative note for royal wedding the of His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Jetsun Pema on 13 October 2011 Serial Number: RW0030533 Front: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (5th King) and Queen Ashi Jetsun Pema at right. Royal Wedding Logo at center, National Emblem at left, and a portrait of a mythical angel carrying the Raven Crown at upper left. Back: Punajha Dzong at center with dragons at upper right and upper left — symbolic of Bhutan's name — Land of the Thunder Dragon.UV: Fluorescent yellow rectangle at center with denomination above and underneath Size: 146 x 70 mm | |
Royal Government Crest, the National Emblem of Bhutan
