𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲

…𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒃𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒃𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒅𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒎𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒚𝒎𝒃𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏’𝒔 𝒓𝒐𝒚𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒄𝒚. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝑱𝒂𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒚 2026, 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓.

By Kinzang Lhamo

The Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) has unveiled a new series of polymer Ngultrum banknotes in commemoration of the 70th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. The launch marks a significant milestone in Bhutan’s financial history, combining modern security and durability with deep cultural symbolism. The new notes will enter circulation from January 2026, while all existing banknotes will continue to remain legal tender.

Prime Minister Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay said, “This banknote is launched to commemorate the 70th Birth Anniversary of our Great Fourth. As we mark this historic moment, let us make a solemn promise that these notes will accompany Bhutan’s continued economic growth and prosperity.”

He highlighted the balance Bhutan seeks between social progress, economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation, noting that the new notes embody this harmony through their design and purpose.
The New Generation Ngultrum Banknotes are printed on a recyclable polymer substrate, replacing traditional paper notes. Polymer notes are more durable, moisture-resistant, and environmentally friendly, ensuring a longer circulation life. With this transition, Bhutan joins a growing number of countries adopting polymer currency to enhance security, longevity, and sustainability.

Each denomination carries distinct motifs that reflect the country’s royal legacy, spiritual identity, and the continuity of leadership under the Wangchuck dynasty. The notes integrate elements of cultural symbolism, biodiversity, and national pride, designed to resonate with both historical significance and contemporary relevance.

The high-value Nu. 1000 note features His Majesty King Ugyen Wangchuck, Bhutan’s first Druk Gyalpo. The obverse portrays the monarch wearing the Raven Crown, seated before the Wheel of the Universal Ruler, signifying wisdom and legitimate authority. On the reverse, Tongsa Dzong is depicted alongside the State Seal and a pair of great hornbills, symbolizing the nation’s rich biodiversity. Above the dzong, the dragon and Garuda appear in flight, representing strength, protection, and national sovereignty.

Dedicated to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, the Nu. 500 note honours the reign that guided the nation’s transformation into a modern nation. The obverse displays the King’s portrait against a cross-vajra, symbolizing stability and resilience. Its reverse includes images of Punakha Dzong, the historic seat of the country’s dual system of governance and the resting place of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, alongside the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Two Bhutan Glory butterflies are also featured, reflecting the Fourth King’s long-standing commitment to environmental protection.

The Nu. 100 note pays tribute to His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, symbolizing continuity and guardianship. The obverse shows the King in the Raven Crown framed by a cosmic mandala, signifying prosperity and divine protection. The reverse highlights Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the Royal Government, with the Garuda soaring above as a symbol of vigilance and strength.

Across all denominations, common design elements reinforce unifying national themes. Each note includes a metallic foil stripe featuring a dragon clutching jewels, representing prosperity and abundance. Watermarks of His Majesty the King and the cross-vajra further strengthen the notes’ spiritual and cultural identity while enhancing security. The polymer notes also incorporate tactile markings and raised textures to support accessibility for the visually impaired.

The introduction of the New Generation Ngultrum Banknotes represents both practical advancement and symbolic tribute. As the notes circulate nationwide from 2026, they are expected to support smoother financial operations while carrying forward the values of unity, heritage, and national pride. The RMA emphasized that the new currency aligns with the country’s long-term goals of sustainability, innovation, and economic resilience.

Through these designs, the country honours its past, celebrates its present, and looks toward a future grounded in stability, identity, and collective progress.