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1 mohru 1953

Asia › Nepal
P-1b1953Nepal TreasuryUNC
1 mohru 1953 from Nepal, P-1b (1953) — image 1
1 mohru 1953 from Nepal, P-1b (1953) — image 2

Market Prices

29 sales
Catalogue (2016)
VG$4
VF$10
UNC$20
AUNC$102025-11-26(5 bids)
PMG 58$23.52025-11-22(7 bids)
PMG 58$152025-05-08(9 bids)
F$4.122025-03-06(5 bids)
VF$9.052023-12-26(6 bids)
AUNC$11.272022-11-16(10 bids)
F$5.052021-05-23(4 bids)
UNC$182021-01-27(1 bid)
AUNC$17.52020-11-21(10 bids)
AUNC$7.912020-10-08(12 bids)
VF$7.52019-11-02(14 bids)
PMG 64$262019-08-18(15 bids)
PMG 65$21.52019-02-10(6 bids)
EF$13.52018-11-11(15 bids)
EF$6.52018-06-06(8 bids)
F$6.52018-01-19(11 bids)
F$62017-10-14(13 bids)
EF$6.62017-05-22(8 bids)
EF$62017-04-30(9 bids)
EF$9.12017-02-01(10 bids)
VF$3.252016-09-23(4 bids)
EF$2.582016-09-12(4 bids)
F$5.72016-04-04(6 bids)
AUNC$15.52015-11-24(10 bids)
AUNC$9.012014-10-10(10 bids)
UNC$6.52014-02-23(7 bids)
AUNC$20.52014-02-04(20 bids)
UNC$9.762013-03-12(4 bids)
EF$6.52010-09-12

About This Note

This is a stunning uncirculated example of Nepal's 1 Mohru note from 1953 (Pick P-1b), featuring ornate Art Deco-influenced design with intricate scrollwork borders in blue and red/brown coloring. The front displays a large oval portrait area with a prominent circular emblem containing Devanagari script, while the reverse showcases a central figure in elaborate ceremonial dress alongside wheat sheaf symbolism. In UNC condition with sharp printing details and no visible wear, this early Nepal Treasury issue represents an important piece of the country's pre-modern currency era.

Rarity

Common. eBay market data shows consistent sales in the $6-26 range across multiple condition grades (2010-2025), with UNC examples typically fetching $9-20. The 2016 catalog value for UNC is $20, and the note appears regularly in the secondary market across various condition grades, indicating adequate supply. With an issue span of 1953-1956 and standard Treasury production runs, this Pick number experienced no recorded recall or severe supply constraints. The UNC condition example observed here, while attractive, does not command a premium suggesting rarity.

Historical Context

Issued during 1953-1956 under the Nepal Treasury (Sadar Muluki Khana) following the establishment of Nepal's modern banking system, this note reflects a transitional period in Nepali numismatic history dated to Vikrama Samvat 2008 (AD 1951). The ceremonial figure and wheat symbolism on the reverse likely represent national agricultural heritage and cultural identity during Nepal's early independence period. The bilingual Devanagari inscriptions and formal governmental seals emphasize the Treasury's authority and Nepal's assertion of monetary sovereignty.

Design

The 1 Mohru note employs a symmetrical, highly ornamental design typical of early 20th-century Treasury issues. The front features an large oval white space on the left (watermark area for portrait), with a central circular seal emblem containing intricate geometric patterns and Devanagari script to the right—likely representing the Nepal Treasury or national emblem. A decorative numeral '9' (possibly a denomination marker or security element) appears in a rectangular cartouche. The reverse displays a central figure in elaborate ceremonial or religious dress with ornate headpiece and clothing, flanked by a large circular emblem featuring wheat or grain sheaves (symbolizing agricultural prosperity and national wealth) on the left. Crescent moon and ornamental bird or fish motifs appear as secondary decorative elements. Both sides employ elaborate fan and scroll border patterns characteristic of Treasury security printing of the era. The color scheme—blue dominating with red/brown accents and cream background—was standard for Nepali notes of this period.

Inscriptions

Front side: 'नेपाल' (Nepal), 'राष्ट्रिय बैंक आयना' (National Bank/Banking Authority), 'सदर पुलको खाता पार' (administrative/treasury notation), 'मोहरु' (Mohru - currency denomination), with additional Nepali administrative text and Devanagari numerals '१२ २१८८७०' (serial or reference number). Back side: 'भारतकुल' (appears to reference institution or authority), with circular emblem containing radial Devanagari text (specific characters not fully legible from image but consistent with official seals). Both sides feature decorative Devanagari numerals corresponding to the denomination.

Printing Technique

Intaglio engraving combined with letterpress, as evidenced by the sharp, detailed line work visible in the decorative borders, circular emblems, and portrait rendering. The precision of the Devanagari script and geometric patterns indicates professional security printing. This note was produced by the Nepal Treasury printing facilities; catalog references indicate variant printings by TDLR (Thomas De La Rue) for certain denominations in this series, though the specific printer for P-1b requires confirmation from the visual characteristics (the detailed engraving quality and border styles are consistent with mid-20th century British security printing standards).

Varieties

This specimen is cataloged as Pick P-1b, indicating a specific variant within the 1 Mohru series. The PMG population report notes 14 cataloged variants for the base Pick number, including P-10 through P-19 representing different denominations and printer attributions (TDLR, BWC—Bradbury Wilkinson & Company). The 'b' suffix designation likely refers to a second printing or variant issue. The observed serial number elements and Devanagari numerals '१२ २१८८७०' should be recorded for variety attribution purposes. No overprints or specimen markings are evident in the visual analysis. The specific variety status within P-1b series variants requires cross-reference with detailed catalog records for printer attribution and printing period confirmation.