The Nepalese mohar was a historic gold coin minted and circulated in the Kingdom of Nepal. It functioned as a high‑denomination unit of currency primarily during the 19th and early 20th centuries, alongside lower‑value copper and silver coins. The mohar was modeled on the Indian mohur, reflecting the monetary practices of the broader South Asian region under British influence.
Historical Background
- Origins: The mohar entered Nepalese circulation during the reign of the Shah dynasty, which began in 1768. Its introduction corresponded with efforts to standardize the kingdom’s monetary system and to facilitate trade with neighboring regions, especially British India.
- Mintage: Coins were struck at royal mints in Kathmandu and other locations. The minting authority was the central government, and the coin bore inscriptions in Devanagari script indicating the reigning king’s name and titles.
Physical Characteristics
- Composition: The mohar was a gold coin, typically containing a high purity of gold (approximately 91.7 % or 22 karat). The exact fineness occasionally varied according to the issuing monarch and fiscal policies.
- Weight and Size: Standard mohar coins weighed around 11.66 grams (≈ 0.375 troy ounces). The diameter was roughly 22 mm, though variations existed for commemorative or special issues.
- Design: Obverse designs commonly featured the portrait or symbolic representation of the king, often accompanied by traditional Nepalese motifs such as the lotus or the dharma wheel. Reverse legends typically included the denomination, year of issue (according to the Bikram Sambat calendar), and the name of the mint.
Monetary Role
- Denomination: The mohar served as the principal high‑value coin, equivalent to several rupees. For example, one mohar was often valued at 4 rupees or 16 anna, though exact conversion rates changed over time.
- Circulation: While the mohar was primarily used in large commercial transactions, government payments, and as a store of wealth, everyday trade relied on silver and copper coinage. The mohar’s limited mintage meant it was less common in rural markets.
Decline and Replacement
- Transition: In 1932, the Nepalese government introduced a revised monetary system based on the Nepalese rupee, aligning more closely with the Indian rupee. The mohar was gradually withdrawn from circulation and melted down for bullion.
- Legacy: Surviving mohar coins are now valuable collectibles and are studied by numismatists for insight into Nepal’s economic history, royal iconography, and metallurgical practices.
Numismatic Significance
- Collectability: Well‑preserved specimens are sought after in the collectors’ market, with values depending on rarity, condition, and historical provenance.
- Research: Scholarly work on the Nepalese mohar contributes to broader understanding of South Asian monetary integration during the colonial era.
References
- Nepalese Royal Mint archives (official records, 19th–20th centuries).
- Standard catalogues of South Asian coinage, e.g., “Standard Catalog of World Coins” (Krause Publications).
- Historical studies on Nepal’s economic policies during the Shah dynasty.
Note: While the term “mohar” is less commonly used in contemporary Nepalese discourse, it is documented in historical and numismatic literature as a distinct gold coin of Nepal.