Mahendra Vlkram Shah was the ruler of Nepal from 1955 to 1972. He was the first Nepali ruler to introduce modern currencies in the country such as paisa and rupee. Mahendra Vlkram's coins were usually made of copper, brass or nickel and depicted the king's portrait, the coat of arms of Nepal or Hindu gods. Mahendra Vlkram's coinage contributed to Nepal's economic development and international relations.