2 rupees 1981

Common. This note remains readily available in the numismatic market at modest valuations. eBay price tracking data shows sold examples ranging from under $1 to approximately $10 depending on grade, with UNC specimens catalogued at approximately $2 (2019 values). The print run for this 1981 issue was substantial, and these notes continue to circulate or remain in collections. No evidence of scarcity, recall, or limited production run exists for this Pick number.

Issued in 1981 during the reign of King Birendra Bir Bikram, this note commemorates Nepal's monarchy and cultural heritage through its prominent royal portrait and architectural imagery. The Bajrayogini temple depicted on the front represents the important religious and cultural landmarks of Nepal's Himalayan region. The leopard on the reverse, along with the national coat of arms, symbolizes Nepal's wildlife and national identity during a period of relative political stability in the kingdom.

The obverse features King Birendra Bir Bikram in left-facing profile wearing the ornate plumed crown (Malla crown) distinctive to Nepalese royalty, rendered in fine engraving with detailed embroidered patterns on his formal attire. Centered on the obverse is the multi-tiered Bajrayogini pagoda temple with traditional Himalayan peaked roofs and ornamental finials, representing Nepal's architectural heritage. The reverse showcases a snow leopard in naturalistic detail standing in profile within a landscape setting, positioned centrally with grass and vegetation, accompanied by Nepal's national coat of arms featuring two figures (representing the nation's unity) flanking a heraldic shield. The entire design is framed by decorative borders with scrollwork and floral elements, set against an intricate background pattern of waves and crosshatch in pink and light blue tones.

Front side: 'नेपाल राष्ट्र बैंक' (Nepal Rastra Bank), 'रुपया दुई' (Two Rupees), 'नुपया दुई बुरबुर्त पाइने छ' (Two Rupees promise to pay), and serial number 'क २६५८२९६'. Back side: 'RUPEE' and 'RUPEES TWO' (English), 'नेपाल' (Nepal in Devanagari). The note includes the standard legal tender promise text in Nepali. Denomination numerals '2' appear in both top right and bottom left corners on both sides.

The note employs traditional intaglio engraving techniques, evident from the fine line work visible in the portrait, architectural detailing, and animal illustration. The background features precision-engraved wave and crosshatch patterns characteristic of high-security currency production. Multiple color printing (at least 6 colors observed) was applied to achieve the dominant tones of pink, purple, green, light blue, and cream, typical of 1980s Nepalese currency production. The sharp detail and pristine print quality indicate professional security printer production; this series was likely produced by a specialist currency printer such as De La Rue or similar European security printer, though specific printer attribution for this Pick number would require additional documentation.

The observed serial number 'क २६५८२९६' shows the standard format for this issue with Devanagari prefix letter 'क' (ka) followed by numerals. The 1981 dating on this note represents the primary issue year of this design, with the series officially dated ND (No Date) in catalogs but issued 1981-2001. Varieties may exist based on signature combinations and serial number prefixes, though the 'क' prefix observed is consistent with documented examples. No overprints or special markings are visible on this specimen, indicating a standard regular issue example.