Nepal — Silver 1 Rupee 1932 (VS 1989) KM# 724 | King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah

A silver 1 Rupee coin from the Kingdom of Nepal, minted during the reign of King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah (r. 1911–1950). Unlike Western coinage, historical Nepalese coins display highly intricate symbolic geometric fields (yantras) and Devanagari script rather than a royal portrait.

Coin Details

• Denomination: 1 Rupee
• Ruler: King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah
• Date: VS 1989 (विक्रम संवत १९८९) = 1932 AD
• Composition: 0.800 Fine Silver
• Weight: 11.08 g
• Diameter: 29.6 mm
• Edge: Reeded
• Catalogue Reference: KM# 724 (one-year type only)
• Dynasty: Shah Dynasty

About the Date

The Vikram Samvat (VS) calendar, still Nepal's official calendar today, is named after the legendary Emperor Vikramaditya of Ujjain and runs approximately 57 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar. The date VS 1989 is inscribed in Devanagari numerals on the obverse, split across the bottom of the square frame: १९ (19) on the left and ८९ (89) on the right, reading together as १९८९. VS 1989 ran from approximately April 1932 to March 1933; the accepted Western numismatic date for this coin is 1932.

Note: KM# 723 and KM# 724 appear very similar. This coin is confirmed as KM# 724 — a one-year type — distinguishable by subtle differences in the edge denticles and dot positioning near the central trident.

Iconography

Obverse: The centrepiece is a circle enclosing a Trishul (Trident), the sacred symbol of Lord Shiva. A geometric square surrounds the trident, bearing the King's full title in Devanagari: Shree Shree Shree Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah Dev. The four corners of the outer margin feature classical auspicious emblems: a Sun, a Moon, a Lotus blossom, and a Conch shell.

Reverse: The centre displays a ceremonial Gurkha Kukri (dagger) draped with a floral garland. The inscription reads एक रुपैयाँ (Ek Rupaiya — One Rupee) with नेपाल (Nepal) below. The outer border comprises an eight-petalled lotus pattern, each petal inscribed with religious invocations.

Condition

In my opinion, the coin is in an excellent state of preservation — uncirculated, with original uncleaned patina showing some spotting but with underlying mint lustre intact. Please refer to the photographs for full details.

Condition assessments represent my subjective opinion provided on a best-endeavours basis.

⚠ Currently for display purposes only. Available for purchase from 1st November 2026.