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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