Evolution And A Short Journey Of 20 Paise Indian Coins

A new coin with a denomination of 20 Paise was introduced in Indian economy in the year 1968. It was a bright shining like gold coin made of Nickel and Brass. Such a beautiful coin made its place immediately in the pocket, wallet and hearts of Indian population. It was really a coin which has excellent combination of beauty and national pride together. In the obverse, a symbol of national pride Ashoka Lion Capitol and in the reverse an image of National flower of India "Lotus Blossom" made it exceptionally beautiful. Details of the coin are mentioned below:
Year Of Circulation : 1968-1971

Value : 20 PAISE 

Metal : Nickel - Brass

Shape : Round

Diameter : 22 mm

Thickness : 1.75 mm

Weight : 4.5 Gms.

Obverse Description : 

Ashoka Lion Capitol With Lettering "भारत" & INDIA appearing at either side.

Reverse Description : 

A bold numeric "20" featuring on the top whereas a fully blossom Lotus in the center. At the left of it "पैसे" written in Hindi whereas at the right side "Paise" was written. Year of Mintage with Mint Marks mentioned in the bottom. 
Minted At : Bombay & Calcutta in 1968 & 1969
                  Bombay, Calcutta & Hyderabad in 1970 
                  Whereas, in 1971 Minted at Bombay only.
Reference : KM #41

20 Paise Nickel Brass Coin 1968

This was its beauty only which became a curse for the existence and survival of this beautiful coin. This coin had a status of a collectible during the days of its circulation only. Many people started making ornaments with this coin. Since, metal used for this coin was glittering as good as gold and it was easy also to make ornaments from it. Later, in 1971 government decided to discontinue mintage of this coin. Increasing cost of the metal was also a reason behind the discontinuation of this coin.

Later, after 11 years of discontinuation of the coin mentioned above another coin with a denomination of 20 Paise was introduced in India in the year 1982. But this time shape, size and metal of this coin was changed. It was an Aluminium Coin in Hexagonal shape as per following details:

Year Of Circulation : 1982-1997

Value : 20 PAISE 

Metal : Aluminium

Shape : Hexagonal (With Six Rounded Corners)

Diameter : 26 mm

Thickness : 1.7 mm

Weight : 2.2 Gms.

Obverse Description : 

Ashoka Lion Capitol With Lettering "भारत" & INDIA appearing at either side with Legend "सत्यमेव जयते" in Hindi below the Ashoka Lion Capitol.

Reverse Description : 

A bold numeric "20" featuring in the center and on the top of it written "पैसे" in Hindi whereas "Paise" written just below of it. Year of Mintage with Mint Marks mentioned in the bottom. 
Minted At : Bombay, Calcutta & Hyderabad.                
Reference : KM #44

20 Paise Aluminium Coin 1982

 Some commemorative Coins were also issued during the circulation period of 20 Paise Coins which we shall discuss in our forthcoming posts when we shall talk about Commemorative Coins Of India. 

These 20 Paise Coins of India have been discontinued now but, only for transactions. They are still a preferred choice for the numismatists and coin collectors. Any coin lover can't complete his or her collection without these coins its a fact.

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Evolution And Journey Of 10 Paise Indian Coins

1957 was the year when a first coin with a denomination of 10 Naye Paise was issued. It was 1/10th of One Rupee. This beautiful coin was made of Copper+Nickel alloy having quite pleasant & smooth appearance. Details of this coins are as under :

Year Of Circulation : 1957-1963

Value : 10 PAISE = 1/10 RUPEE

Metal : Cu-Ni (75% Copper + 25% Nickel)

Shape : Scalloped (With 8 Rounded Notches)

Diameter : 23 mm

Thickness : 1.7 mm

Weight : 4.9 Gms.

Obverse Description : 

Ashoka Lion Capitol With Lettering "भारत" & INDIA appearing at either side.

Reverse Description : 

Semi Circular Lettering "रुपये का दसवाँ भाग" in Hindi and a bold numeric "10" featuring in the center. At the bottom of it "नये पैसे" written in Hindi, followed by Year of Mintage with Mint Marks. 
Minted At : Bombay, Calcutta & Hyderabad.
Reference : KM #24

10 Naye Paise Coin 1957

In 1964 the same coin was re-introduced with a little modification. Keeping everything same on the obverse there was only one change made in this coin. Instead of "नये पैसे" it was written "दस पैसे" now about the denomination of the coin. Details of this coins are as under :

Year Of Circulation : 1964-1967

Value : 10 PAISE = 1/10 RUPEE

Metal : Cu-Ni (75% Copper + 25% Nickel)

Shape : Scalloped (With 8 Rounded Notches)

Diameter : 23 mm

Thickness : 1.7 mm

Weight : 4.9 Gms.

Obverse Description : 

Ashoka Lion Capitol With Lettering "भारत" & INDIA appearing at either side.

Reverse Description : 

Semi Circular Lettering "रुपये का दसवाँ भाग" in Hindi and a bold numeric "10" featuring in the center. At the bottom of it "दस पैसे" written in Hindi, followed by Year of Mintage with Mint Marks. 
Minted At :  From 1957 to 1960 it was minted atBombay & Calcutta only.
                   From 1961 to 1963 apart from Bombay & Calcutta it was minted at Hyderabad                       too.
Reference : KM #25

10 Paise Coin 1964

In order to reduce the minting cost government decided to change the metal of 10 Paise Coin in 1968. Copper & Nickel alloy was replaced with Nickel & Brass. Though, this coin was withdrawn in 1971 since, many people started to make ornaments from this coin because of the gold like shine and glow of this coin and the metallic value of the coin was also increased due to price hike of the metal than its denominated value. Details of this coins are as under :

Year Of Circulation : 1968-1971

Value : 10 PAISE = 1/10 RUPEE

Metal : Nickel + Brass

Shape : Scalloped (With 8 Rounded Notches)

Diameter : 23 mm

Weight : 4.24 Gms.

Obverse Description : 

Ashoka Lion Capitol With Lettering "भारत" & INDIA appearing at either side.

Reverse Description : 

Semi Circular Lettering "रुपये का दसवाँ भाग" in Hindi and a bold numeric "10" featuring in the center. At the bottom of it "दस पैसे" written in Hindi, followed by Year of Mintage with Mint Marks. 
Minted At :  Bombay, Calcutta & Hyderabad
Reference : KM #26
However, one more variation of this coin was also found with a die damage in "9" of 1968. And this was referred as KM #26.1 which we'll discuss in another post of die-variety. 

10 Paise Nickel-Brass Coin 1968

And, after this an era of Aluminium Coins emerged and among the denomination of 10 Paise the first coin came in the year of 1971. Though the coin was less in weight as compared to current available coin of this value but its size was quite big and white shiny look due to aluminium made it too beautiful. Details of this coin is mentioned below :

Year Of Circulation : 1971 -1982

Value : 10 PAISE 

Metal : Aluminium 

Shape : Scalloped (With 12 Rounded Notches)

Diameter : 25.9 mm

Thickness : 1.9 mm

Weight : 2.3 Gms.

Obverse Description : 

Ashoka Lion Capitol Within the circle of beads surrounded with wreath & Lettering "भारत" & INDIA appearing at either side.

Reverse Description : 

Denomination followed by Year of Mintage with Mint Marks within the circle of beads surrounded with wreath. 
Minted At :  Bombay, Calcutta and Hyderabad.
Reference : KM #27

10 Paise Aluminium Coin 1971

Another variety in the same coin was also issued in 1979 with a little change in die and so with a different appearance. The obverse was kept almost same with the previous version. But, in the reverse of the coin font size of denomination and lettering "पैसे" and "Paise" were reduced and thus there was a visible gap between the wreath and the outer rim of the coin.  
Reference : KM #27.2

10 Paise Aluminium Coin 1979

Further, one more variety of this coin was introduced in 1980 which continued till 1982. In this coin the reverse was kept unchanged as 1979 issue but in obverse also the same pattern was applied by reducing the size of Ashoka Capitol and the lettering at both the sides "भारत" and "India". Due to this change in design the outer surrounding wreath came closer to the Ashoka Lion Capitol and the gap between the wreath and the rim became wider.
Reference : KM #27.3

10 Paise Aluminium Coin 1980

Gradually with the changing times another change took place in the shape, size and design of the coin of the denomination 10 Paise. The new coin was much smaller in size of the same metal Aluminium only as per details mentioned below :

Year Of Circulation : 1983-1993

Value : 10 PAISE 

Metal : Aluminium

Shape : Scalloped (With 8 Rounded Notches)

Diameter : 23 mm
Thickness : 1.95 mm

Weight : 1.75 Gms.

Obverse Description : 

Ashoka Lion Capitol With Lettering "भारत" & INDIA appearing at either side with the Legend "सत्यमेव जयते" below the pedestal of Ashoka Lion Capitol.

Reverse Description : 

Denomination in a bold numeric "10" featuring in the center. At the top "पैसे" written in Hindi and at the bottom of it "Paise" followed by Year of Mintage with Mint Marks. 
Minted At :  Mumbai, Kolkata & Hyderabad
Reference : KM #39

10 Paise Aluminium Coin 1983

Ultimately, in 1988 a final change was done in the coin of this denomination 10 Paise. Perhaps, the cost cutting was the priority so, now the size of coin was reduced to its optimum possibility. It was almost as little as initial One Naya Paisa Coin. But, the metal of the coin was used "Ferritic Stainless Steel". Details and the feature of the coin were as under :

Year Of Circulation : 1988-1998

Value : 10 PAISE 

Metal : Ferritic Stainless Steel

Shape : Round

Diameter : 16 mm
Thickness : 1.5 mm

Weight : 2 Gms.

Obverse Description : 

Ashoka Lion Capitol With Lettering "भारत" & INDIA appearing at either side with the Legend "सत्यमेव जयते" below the pedestal of Ashoka Lion Capitol.

Reverse Description : 

Denomination in a bold numeric "10" featuring in the center. Above of it "पैसे" and "Paise" at either side. Year of Mintage with Mint Marks below the numeric "10".
Minted At :  Mumbai, Kolkata, Noida, Ottawa (Canada) & Hyderabad
Reference : KM #40

10 Paise FSS Coin 1988

Finally, in 1998 mintage of this coin was discontinued but it remained as a legal tender even much after this. Almost by the year 2000 it was happily accepted in transactions. Though, in day to day transactions these coins have lost their acceptance but, a large number of coin lovers and numismatist are still running behind these coins and trying to make their collection enriched with these coins in its all variations and even year wise and mint wise too. 

Now, its time to check your collection, whether these coins are there or not? Hey, do check it fast. And, grab it soon if its not there in your collection.

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Evolution And Journey Of 5 Paise Indian Coins

In 1957 A New Coin with a denomination of 5 "Naye Paise" were introduced in INDIA in the Category of Decimal Coins. Its fractional value in comparison to One Rupee was 1/20. It was a beautiful coin made of Copper and Nickel and had a pleasant & smooth appearance. Details of this coins are as under :

Year Of Circulation : 1957-1963

Value : 5 PAISE = 1/20 RUPEE

Metal : Cu-Ni (75% Copper + 25% Nickel)

Shape : Quadrangular (With Rounded Corners)

Diameter : 22 mm

Thickness : 1.7 mm

Weight : 4 Gms.

Obverse Description : 

Ashoka Lion Capitol With Lettering "भारत" & INDIA appearing at either side.

Reverse Description : 

Semi Circular Lettering "रुपये का बीसवाँ भाग" in Hindi and a bold numeric "5" featuring in the center. At the bottom of it "नये पैसे" written in Hindi, followed by Year of Mintage with Mint Marks. 
Minted At : Bombay, Calcutta & Hyderabad.
Reference : KM #16

5 Naye Paise Copper Nickel Coin 1957 India

Second issue of this coin was issued in the year 1964 which had all features same as the coin mentioned above with only one change in its reverse. The letter below Numeric "5" "नये पैसे" was replaced with "पाँच पैसे" and every other features were kept unchanged. This coin was issued up to 1966. 
Minted At : Bombay, Calcutta & Hyderabad.

Reference : KM #17

5 Paise Copper Nickel Coin 1964 India

Further, from 1965 metal of this coin was changed. Instead of a Copper + Nickel Alloy now Aluminium 96% + Magnesium 4% Alloy was used for minting a coin of this denomination. Thus, weight of the coin was also reduced. Now, it was a light weight coin compared to its previous version. Features of this coin is given below : 

Year Of Circulation : 1967-1971

Value : 5 PAISE = 1/20 RUPEE

Metal : Aluminium (Aluminium 96% + Magnesium 4%)

Shape : Quadrangular (With Rounded Corners)

Diameter : 22 mm

Thickness : 2.2 mm

Weight : 1.6 Gms.

Obverse Description : 

Ashoka Lion Capitol With Lettering "भारत" & INDIA appearing at either side.

Reverse Description : 

Semi Circular Lettering "रुपये का बीसवाँ भाग" in Hindi and a bold numeric "5" featuring in the center. At the bottom of it "नये पैसे" written in Hindi, followed by Year of Mintage with Mint Marks. 
Minted At : Bombay, Calcutta & Hyderabad.

Reference : KM #18
Some more variations of this coin were also issued which were further referred as KM #18.1& KM #18.3.

5 Paise Aluminium Coin 1967 India

Again in the year 1972 a change was made there in this coin which grossly changed its appearance and features too. Reverse of this coin was converted in a new style. Now the fractional ratio with Rupee was withdrawn and a big Numeric "5" had replaced the smaller one. Now the denomination of the coin in both Hindi "पैसे" and English "PAISE" were given at the either side of the Numeric "5" in a circular curved lettering. And, instead of straight letters, date was also changed in a circular curved style of lettering. 

Year Of Issue/Circulation : 1972-1984

Minted At : Bombay, Calcutta & Hyderabad.

Reference : KM #18.4

However, another variation of this coin, which was further referred as KM #18.6 was also issued with few changes in Obverse like different font of "D" in INDIA and a fat and hairy Lion.

5 Paise Aluminium Coin 1972 India

The final and last version of this coin was issued since 1984 to 1994 with a gross change in its Obverse, Reverse and Thickness. Thickness of the coin was reduced. Hence, the coin became much lighter in weight. At Obverse, the size of Ashoka Lion Capitol was reduced with an added Legend "सत्यमेव जयते" below the pedestal of it. Lettering fonts in both Hindi & English were changed at both the Obverse and Reverse. Further, the Numeric "5" in the Reverse also looked much attractive due to its thinner font.

Year Of Issue/Circulation : 1984-1994

Value : 5 PAISE = 1/20 RUPEE

Metal : Aluminium (Aluminium 96% + Magnesium 4%)

Shape : Quadrangular (With Rounded Corners)

Diameter : 22 mm

Thickness :1.5 mm

Weight : 1 Gms.

Obverse Description : 

Ashoka Lion Capitol With Legend "सत्यमेव जयते" (Meaning : Truth Alone Triumphs) below the pedestal of it. Lettering "भारत" & INDIA appearing at either side.

Reverse Description : 

A bold numeric "5" in a thinner font featuring in the center. At the bottom of it written year of Mintage with Mint Marks. "पैसे" and "PAISE" written at either sides of the Numeric "5" at the Reverse.
Minted At : Bombay, Calcutta & Hyderabad.

Reference : KM #23

5 Paise Aluminium Coin 1988 India

After the circulation of almost ten years this coin was stopped from being minted any more. But, it remained in the circulation for few more years. Overall life for this denomination was almost 40 years in circulation in Indian economy. 

Still, all variants of this coin carry a great value for the #Numismatists and #Coin_Lovers all around the world. 

Meanwhile, during the same era of circulation was 5 PAISE Coins some Commemorative Issues in the same denomination were also minted and circulated. Please wait for our next post about Commemorative Issues Of 5 PAISE Indian Coins.

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Evolution And Journey Of 3 Paise Indian Coins

Among Indian Decimal Coins 3 Paise was introduced in the year 1964. Though, we have already discussed about this coin in our earlier post Golden Era Of Aluminium Coins Of Republic India : Part - 1. Nevertheless, we'll have a brief details of this coin once again :

Year Of Issue : 1964-1971

Value : 3 Paisa 

Metal : Aluminium (96% Aluminium + 4% Magnesium)

Shape : Hexagonal (Six Sided with Rounded Corners) 

Diameter : 21 mm

Thickness : 2 mm

General Description : Hexagonal Shaped Aluminium Coin with Rounded Corners. 

Obverse Description : 

Ashoka Lion Capitol With Lettering "भारत" & INDIA appearing at either side.

Reverse Description : 

Semi Circular Lettering "तीन पैसे" on the top and a bold numeric "3" featuring in the center and at the bottom of it Year of Mintage with Mint Marks.

3 Paise Aluminium Coin 1964

This was the only coin which had a very shorter span of circulation and the very least variation in its shape, size or design. Just one more variation of this coin was found which had a different Fat Lion Variety. Ashoka Lion Pedestal was more imposed and font styling of "D" in "INDIA" on the obverse was also slightly different. Further, a little bigger Numeric "3" on the reverse side of it was there. All other features like size and weight of the coin remained same.

3 Paise Aluminium Coin 1971

Perhaps, it was realized later that this denomination was not so rational or necessary, because it was quite easy to transact even without this denomination. Hence, government took a decision to discontinue this coin after 1971. Even though it remained in circulation after 1971 also. On the facts mentioned above we can say this coin has traveled a shortest journey in the Indian economy. 

Though, it is an out of vogue currency, but yet its too precious for those who had a love for old coins and currencies and the keen numismatists.

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Evolution And Journey Of 2 Paise Indian Coins

It was 1957 when for the first time a new coin came into existence with a denomination of 2 paise. A tiny shaped cupro-nickel coin which was made of 75% Copper and 25% Nickel. Details about the coin is given below :

Year Of Circulation : 1957-1963

Value : 2 PAISE = 1/50 RUPEE

Metal : Copper + Nickel
Weight : 3 Gms

Shape : Scalloped with 8 rounded notches

Diameter : 18 mm

Thickness : 1.8 mm

Obverse Description : 
Ashoka Lion Capitol With Lettering "भारत" & INDIA appearing at either side.

Reverse Description : 

A bold numeric "2" surrounded by a semi-circular Lettering "रुपये का पचासवाँ भाग" and below the numeric "2" written "नये पैसे" followed by Year of Mintage with Mint Marks at bottom. 
Minted At : Bombay And Calcutta.

2 Naye Paise 1957

The coin featured above continued to be minted every year till 1963. Further, in 1964 this coin was re-issued with a nominal change in the Reverse Lettering. Instead "नये पैसे" it was written "दो पैसे" just below of Numeric "2". But, this coin had a very little life of circulation, and was continued for one year only. Details of this new coin remained same as of the coin mentioned above except the minor change of reverse lettering.
Year Of Circulation : 1964

2 Paise Coin 1964

From 1965 a new coin of 2 Paise was introduced in India which was a bit larger in shape but, significantly light in weight because of the light weight metal Aluminium. It was perhaps the cost-cutting which might been the reason behind of this change. Another major change was the omission of fractional relation with rupee from the Reverse of the coin. Complete details about this coin is mentioned below :    

Year Of Circulation : 1965-1967

Value : 2 PAISE 

Metal : Aluminium (Aluminium 96% + Magnesium 4%)
Weight : 1 Gms

Shape : Scalloped with 8 rounded notches

Diameter : 20 mm

Thickness : 1.6 mm

Obverse Description : 
Ashoka Lion Capitol With Lettering "भारत" & INDIA appearing at either side.

Reverse Description : 

A bold numeric "2" surrounded With Lettering "पैसे" & PAISE appearing at either side. Whereas, "दो पैसे" written just below the numeric "2" followed by Year of Mintage with Mint Marks at bottom. 
Minted At : Bombay And Calcutta.

2 Paise 1965 Aluminium Coin

Further, in 1968 again there was a nominal change in the design of this coin and at the Reverse of it the Numeric "2" was replaced with a bit larger "2" which was much closer to the upper top notch of the coin. and rest features of the coin were kept unchanged. Till 1981 this coin was minted though it continued to be in circulation even then after too. Though the feature and details of the coin were same as about the above mentioned coin. 
Year Of Circulation : 1965-1967
Minted At : Bombay, Hyderabad And Calcutta.

2 Paise 1968 Aluminium Coin

So, we can say that almost for 25 years there was an era of 2 Paise coins in India. Though, it was the second lowest currency of that time but, it had a worth to be in the pockets. Today one can't buy anything with this coin. Yet, it is precious to have it in your collections. A great item with a priceless numismatic value.

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