Country / Region: Bhutan
Continent: Asia
Denomination: 1,000 Ngultrum
Year: 2008
Grade: Uncirculated
Face Value (as at 2012.06.25): about USD17.50
Pick: 34
Figure (Obverse): Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Figure (Reverse): Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu
Interesting Fact: King Wangchuck is seen wearing the
Raven Crown (dbu-zhva bya-rog-can), which is the most distinguished symbol of
the King of Bhutan. The Raven is the national bird of Bhutan. Killing a raven
in Bhutan would lead to death penalty at one time.
One thing that caught my attention is the rim of
the Raven Crown, which is decorated with the motif of tantric skull. The
tantric skulls are decorations associated with wrathful deities. You can find
out more information about the crown here.
King Wangchuck has been called “The world's most
handsome king”. He married Queen Jetsun Pema on 13 October 2011 and issued a
commemorative note for the occasion. It has since become my favorite banknote
from Bhutan. Will post it up later.