Nepal

Earlier issues are centered on monarchy. Kings Birendra and Gyanendra appear in formal portrait wearing the Shripech crown, framed with controlled symmetry and royal insignia. In later issues, this central position is replaced by Mount Everest (Sagarmatha), engraved with sharp ridgelines and open sky, marking the transition to a republic through a clear visual substitution. Around this central field, the obverse integrates sacred architecture: Swayambhunath Stupa with its all-seeing eyes, the carved structure of Changu Narayan, and the wooden Kasthamandap pavilion, each rendered with precise structural detail. Micro-elements include the rhododendron watermark and engraved representations of ancient Nepalese coins embedded within the layout.

The reverse forms a fixed wildlife register. The one-horned rhinoceros is shown with layered skin plates and forward mass, the Bengal tiger appears in low stance with defined striping, the snow leopard is positioned in climbing motion across rock, and the yak is rendered with dense coat and lowered head adapted to altitude. The highest denomination introduces the paired Asian elephants Ram and Lakshman, aligned symmetrically with mirrored posture and trunk placement, creating a balanced and easily identifiable composition.