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TIBET
NEPALESE COINS CUT FOR USE IN TIBET
While the Nepalese mohars were circulating in Tibet, they were frequently cut for use as small change, as none of the smaller denomination Nepalese coins were used by the Tibetans. Since the denomination of the Nepalese coin was 1.5 Sho, the natural subdivisions were 2/3rd (=1 Sho), ½ (=7.5 Karma) and 1/3rd (=5 Karma). Very conveniently, it was noticed that a straight line cut leaving 5 petals visible on the reverse produced a piece weighing almost exactly 2/3rd of the full coin. Similarly, if 4 petals were visible the coin was clearly cut in half, and if 3 petals were visible, then the coin was worth 1/3rd of the full coin. The denomination could be calculated just by counting the petals, and in the early part of the 20th century, it became acceptable to cut away the surplus silver, often producing a horseshoe shaped piece of silver, still valued by counting the petals.
Cut pieces of Jaya Prakash Malla of Kathmandu, 5 Petals (RGV.1414(2), 1415), fine and scarce, and Pratap Simha Saha, 5 Petals (RGV.1418 (7), 1420, 1421), mainly very fine, one dated 1699 very rare, 4 Petals (RGV.1422(3), 1424), mainly very fine, 3 Petals (RGV.1425), fine and scarce (17)
Details
Cut pieces of Jaya Prakash Malla of Kathmandu, 5 Petals (RGV.1414(2), 1415), fine and scarce, and Pratap Simha Saha, 5 Petals (RGV.1418 (7), 1420, 1421), mainly very fine, one dated 1699 very rare, 4 Petals (RGV.1422(3), 1424), mainly very fine, 3 Petals (RGV.1425), fine and scarce (17)