Skar Denomination: The Copper "Star" Coin of Tibet

Illustrated Specimen Details: 7½ Skar (Tibet)

Example Specimen: 7½ skar, 1921 (Year 15-55)

Authority: Thubten Gyatso — the 13th Dalai Lama of Tibet (reigned from 1879 to 1933). He was responsible for the modernization of the Tibetan monetary system, introducing new machine-struck denominations to assert Tibet's economic independence.

Design & Symbols: This copper coin is easily recognizable by its distinctive scalloped edge. The obverse features the Snow Lion, a powerful celestial animal of Buddhist mythology and the central symbol of the Tibetan coat of arms, surrounded by ornamental fish. The reverse contains Tibetan script and the date 15-55, which follows the traditional 60-year Rabjung cycle (corresponding to 1921 AD).

1. TIBET (from 1909 to 1926): 1 skar = 1/10 sho = 1/100 srang

SKAR as a coin name: The name of the skar coin translates from Tibetan as "star". Historically, this term originated as a unit of weight. On traditional scales in the region, star-shaped marks were used to indicate weight intervals; the weight corresponding to the space between two stars eventually became known as a skar.

History, Value, and Etymology of the Skar

The skar was the smallest fractional denomination in the complex monetary hierarchy of Tibet during the early 20th century. Circulating primarily from 1909 to 1926, it served as a practical unit for small-scale market transactions, sitting below the sho and the silver srang.

The Decimal Structure of Tibetan Currency

Unlike many older systems, the Tibetan coinage of this era followed a clear decimal structure: 100 skar equaled 1 srang, and 10 skar equaled 1 sho. This hierarchy allowed for a diverse range of coins, including unusual values like the 2½, 5, and 7½ skar. These multi-unit copper coins were essential for bridging the gap between low-value exchange and the more expensive silver-based commerce.

Symbolism and Production

Every skar coin was more than just a tool for trade; it was a carrier of religious and political messages. The presence of the Snow Lion — a symbol of fearless joy and the protector of the Buddha — emphasized the spiritual authority of the Dalai Lama's administration.

Physically, while machine-made influence grew, many skar coins still retained the charm of traditional Tibetan minting. They often feature scalloped or irregular edges and varying strike qualities, reflecting a transition period between ancient Himalayan techniques and modern industrial standards.

Numismatic Heritage

From a numismatic perspective, the skar is highly valued for its unique dating system. Collectors must calculate the Gregorian date by decoding the Rabjung cycle (indicated by the two numbers on the reverse), which adds a layer of intellectual challenge to the series.

Although these coins were produced in relatively large quantities for local use, well-preserved examples (especially the 7½ skar) are increasingly difficult to find. They remain vital artifacts for understanding how a theocratic state managed its economic sovereignty in the high Himalayas before the mid-20th-century geopolitical shifts.

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