Bhutan 10-CHHERTUM (KM46)

Conch

Conch (say "Konk") refers to many different species of large sea snails whose shells have a noticeable point at both ends. The conch on this coin is dead, and only its shell remains. It is also a very special conch, because its shell spirals to the right (most have a left spiral). The shells have been used as horns since the beginning of recorded history, and even before that according to myths and legends.

The conch is one of the "Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism" and the reverse of the coin features all eight (with the word "Bhutan" in the middle in the Dzonkha language). Of course they would pick the rare right-hand version as a holy symbol.

And just in case you think Buddhism is all about peace, love, and understanding, know that there are four different conch shells in this system, to divide people into four different castes, which is not a good way to treat people.

This coin was minted in 1979 only.


Diameter
20.3 mm
Composition
Bronze
Catalogue #
KM46
Obverse Legend
ROYAL GOVERNMENT OF BHUTAN 1979
Reverse Legend
TEN CHHERTUM

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