Evolution And Journey Of 25 Paise Indian Coins

Since, in the year 1957 India shifted to the decimal system, many new coins in different denominations were issued in this year. So, a new coin of 25 Naye Paise was also issued this year. Though, it was the beginning of decimal system in India so the Non-Decimal coins were also there in the circulation and to distinguish between Decimal and Non-Decimal system "Naya-Paisa" concept was introduced and all new coins were coming with this denomination system only. Nevertheless, the all new 25 Naye Paise coin entered in Indian cash market and started its journey and followed various changes in accordance with the changing times. Here let us retrospect the Evolution & Journey of this Coin 25 "Naye Paise" to 25 "Paise". Let's have on the features and appearance of the first coin in this series: 

Year Of Circulation : 1957-1963

Value : 25 NAYE PAISE 

Metal : Nickel

Shape : Round

Diameter : 18.7 mm

Thickness : 1.32 mm

Weight : 2.42 Gms.

Obverse Description : 

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

Reverse Description : 

A bold numeric "25" featuring in the center and on the top of it written in semi-circular style "रुपये का चौथा भाग" in Hindi whereas "नये पैसे" written just below of it. Year of Mintage with Mint Marks mentioned at the bottom of the coin. 
Minted At : Bombay & Calcutta.                
Reference : KM #47

25 Naye Paise Pure Nickel Coin 1962

In the year 1964 few small changes were made in this coin and a new coin was introduced. This coin was a bit thicker and heavier than the previous one. No change was there on the obverse and in reverse the "Numeric 25" was written in a bit bigger font and the term"नये पैसे" was replaced with "पच्चीस पैसे" in ancient way of writing in Devnagari which is not in used now a days. In this form of Devnagari the ligature of "च" with "च" was written in such unique way as if one "च" had climbed upon the shoulder of another "च". Details of this coin is mentioned below for better understanding and ready reference : 

Year Of Mintage : 1964

Value : 25 PAISE 

Metal : Nickel

Shape : Round

Diameter : 19 mm

Thickness : 1.44 mm

Weight : 2.55 Gms.

Obverse Description : 

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

Reverse Description : 

A bold numeric "25" featuring in the center and on the top of it written in semi-circular style "रुपये का चौथा भाग" in Hindi whereas "पच्चीस पैसे" written just below of it in ancient way of writing in Devnagari as mentioned above. Year of Mintage with Mint Marks mentioned at the bottom of the coin. 
Minted At : Bombay & Calcutta.                
Reference : KM #48.1

25 Paise Pure Nickel Coin 1964

Immediately in the very next year this coin was re-introduced with certain new amendments. In obverse of the coin there was a change in pedestal of Ashoka Lion Capitol it was more imposed now. And, in reverse the font size of numeric "25" and mintage year was reduced. Further, the denomination detail was also changed from "Ancient Devnagari Style" to the "Novel Style of Devnagari" i.e. "पच्चीस पैसे" 
Minted At : Bombay & Calcutta (1965 To 1967) But, in 1968 minted at Calcutta only.
Reference : KM #48.2      

25 Paise Pure Nickel Coin 1965

Later, for three consecutive years from 1969 to 1971 there was no mintage of these coins. But, in the year 1972 once again a "All New 25 Paise Coin" came in a new "AVATAR". Now, it was a Copper-Nickel Coin with a quite different look due to significant changes in the characteristics and much shiny appearance of the coin. Details of this coin is given below:

Year Of Circulation : 1972-1990

Value : 25 PAISE 

Metal : Copper-Nickel

Shape : Round

Diameter : 19 mm

Thickness : 1.36 mm

Weight : 2.5 Gms.

Obverse Description : 

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

Reverse Description : 

A bold and tall numeric "25" featuring in the center and on the upper half of the top its written in semi-circular style "पैसे" and "PAISE". Year of Mintage with Mint Marks mentioned at the bottom of the the numeric "25". 
Minted At : Bombay, Calcutta & Hyderabad. 
                  However, in 1985 it was minted at Ottawa/Canada Mint also.               
Reference : KM #49

25 Paise Copper-Nickel Coin 1972

During the circulation period of this coin few more varieties and mule versions of this coin were also minted which further are referenced as KM #49.1, KM #49.2 and KM #49.3. One Mule with obverse of KM #48.2 and reverse of KM #49.1 was referenced as KM #49.7. Though, the same coin was referred as KM #48.4 also. Since, 1984-1986 there were variations of round edges (i.e. local blanks) and flat edges (i.e. Korean blanks) were also minted. 

Finally, in 1988 it was converted into a Ferritic Stainless Steel coin which was continuously minted till 2002. However, these coins had a longest journey in circulation. These coins were de-monetized on 30th June 2010 vide a written notification. Nevertheless, let us have a look on the details of this ultimate version of 25 Paise Coin which follows below:
Year Of Circulation : 1988-2002

Value : 25 PAISE 

Metal : Ferritic Stainless Steel

Shape : Round

Diameter : 19 mm

Thickness : 1.55 mm

Weight : 2.83 Gms.

Obverse Description : 

Ashoka Lion Capitol on the center top with Legend "सत्यमेव जयते" at the bottomof it, whereas Lettering "भारत" & INDIA appearing at either side in upper half section and in lower half section of it a bold numeric "25" written along with lettering "पैसे" and "PAISE" at both the sides of it.

Reverse Description : 

An Indian single horned Rhinoceros facing towards left and  on the top of it year of mintage followed by mint marks in the center.
Minted At : Bombay, Calcutta, Noida & Hyderabad. 
                  However, in 1988 it was minted at Ottawa/Canada Mint also. 
                  In last two years i.e. 2001 & 2002 it was not minted at Noida.               
Reference : KM #54

25 Paise Ferretic Stainless Steel Coin 1988

Though, these coins are demonetized so they are not a legal tender now but still collectors and numismatists.  


If you liked the post then please do follow us, like, subscribe and comment. Your precious comments, criticism and suggestions are most humbly solicited.