20) Independent India issues: 25 paise coins ;
the journey from usage over five decades to stepping into history.
The end of the line for the 25 paise coin is in sight. The coin which could buy you a sight-seeing trip into the zoo or a bus-ride across town or a pop-corn packet ,large enough for two , to be munched while seeing a movie in a theatre , (remember, there was no T.V. or DVDs then), in any part of the country , or buy you an ice-cream ,or a burger , or a fully loaded betel leaf for chewing (“paan “in Hindi), during the seventies, will pass into history on 30th June 2011, when it will cease to be legal currency.
On that day, the Banks and financial institutions will accept this denomination of Indian coinage, across the counter for the last time. Rumour has it, that the Reserve Bank of India is contemplating melting down these little circular beauties into plain metal. I’m sure, that many a coin collector’s heart will skip a beat, on hearing this.
The beginning of the journey for the 25 paise coins began in 1957, in its avatar (incarnation) as the 25 “naye paise”. Here is the story.
Before I begin with the life-story/journey of the twenty five paise coins, I am placing an interesting tit-bit, before you in the form of an image of a coin which is the size of a twenty-five paise coin:
This is the obverse of the coin issued in 1957. Looks exactly like a twenty-five paise coin, does'nt it? You would perhaps say, yes with an absolute degree of cewrtainty. Now plese look at the Reverse image given below:
The Reverse actually mentions the coin denomination as "5 naye paise" (in Hindi - or five new paise in English). The year of issue is marked as 1957 and the diamond mint mark below the year of issue is of the Mumbai Mint. On the upper periphery is mentioned "Rupiye ka beeswan bhaag" (in Hindi - meaning "one twentieth of a rupee" in English).
I must confess, I had never seen a "round" five paise coin, the size of a twenty-five paise coin, so I thought that I would place it on this post, before proceeding further. This coin is from the collection of Rajendersinh Mohite.
Before I begin with the life-story/journey of the twenty five paise coins, I am placing an interesting tit-bit, before you in the form of an image of a coin which is the size of a twenty-five paise coin:
I must confess, I had never seen a "round" five paise coin, the size of a twenty-five paise coin, so I thought that I would place it on this post, before proceeding further. This coin is from the collection of Rajendersinh Mohite.
The first series of 25 “naye paise” coins (1957-1968):
After the conversion to the decimal coinage from the Anna denominations, with necessary amendments to the Indian Coinage Act in 1957 (Details given in earlier posts on this blog), the 25 “naye paise “ (“new paise” under the decimal coinage) denomination coins were introduced in 1957. These coins were issued till 1968.
The composition of these coins was pure nickel.
Unfortunately, I do not have any coin specimens from this segment. However, there is hope for me and my coin collection. One of my ex-colleagues in the State Bank of India, New Delhi, has offered to give me about 100 coins of 25 paise denomination, instead of turning them in to one of the Bank branches , before 30th June 2011. (I feel like, I would, have saved a few puppies from the dog pound). I am hoping that a few of these coins would be from this series /category.
(Sorry, these coins have finally arrived, but these are 104 coins all of which were issued in 1998, showcasing the Rhino on the reverse. Anyway, I got to save these, even though I did not get any older year issues).
Posted in this paragraph on 14.11.12:
I have finally managed to get three coins in this category from a coins exhibition which are placed below:
Obverse of the 25 paise coins issued in 1960.
Reverse of the 25 paise coin issued in 1960.The shape of this coin is round. On the upper periphery is mentioned "Rupiye ka chautha bhaag" (one fourth part of a rupee). Below that is mentioned the numeral "25" indicating the denomination of the coin.
Further below is mentioned "naye paise" (new paise) indicating the Reserve Bank of India's concern that the new decimal series should not be misrepresented by unscrupulous persons and deliberately confused with the values of the existing coinage being phased out.
The year of issue 1960 is mentioned below this inscription. The Diamond mint mark of Mumbai mint appears below the year of issue.
Obverse of a 25 paise coin issued in 1961.
A 25 paise coin issued by the Mumbai mint in 1961 exhibiting the same features as the earlier coin shown above.
Obverse of a 25 paise coin issued in 1964.
Reverse of a 25 paise coin issued by the Mumbai Mint (Diamond Mint mark) in 1964. Notice that by this time the Reserve Bank of india had gained the confidence that the Decimal coinage had stabilised and the term "naye paise" has been replaced by "pachhis paise" (twenty five paise) written in Hindi, below the numeral "25". Also, the legend " Rupiye ka chautha bhaag" (one fourth part of a Rupee) was continued on this coin.
The second series of 25 paise coins (1972- 1990):
In 1972, these coins were reissued, but the words “naye paise” were dropped, as the new decimal coinage had stabilized in the country.
These coins looked very much like the coins issued in the earlier series, except that, their composition was cupro-nickel.
I have 9 specimens from this category issued from 1972 to 1985. The Lion Capital of Asoka is depicted on these coins as in the above series , but the words “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth always prevails) have still not made their debut on these coins, all the way upto the year 1985 – (These words are an integral part of the “Coat of Arms” of the Indian Nation today and were introduced for the first time in Indian 10 and 20 paise coins in 1982.)
Obverse of a 1972 twenty five paise coin . The Asoka Lion capital , the words “Bharat” in Hindi and “India” in English . There is a circular border design which is a precursor to a similar design found in the large one rupee coins minted from 1975 to 1982.
Reverse of the coin minted in 1972 by Bombay mint. (Notice the diamond mint mark, below the year of issue 1972). Also, the words “ Paise” are there in both Hindi and English, togetherwith the numeral “25”. Two ears of wheat adorn the lower section, an emphasis on the farmer’s role of growing more food for the country to become self-sufficient. The border design of the obverse side, also finds a place on the reverse.
Reverse images of 1973 and 1974 , twenty five paise coins , issued by Bombay mint, also showing the same features.
Reverse of a 1975, Hyderabad mint issue of a 25 paise coin. Notice the five pointed Hyderabad mint mark below the year of issue.
Reverse of a 1980 issue from Calcutta mint. There is no mint mark which is a Calcutta mint speciality. Also, notice the coloured stains on this coin. These indicate that these denominations of coins was the standard price of a fully loaded betel leaf in those days. Betel leaf chewing is a favourite pastime of the majority of Indians, and the betel shop vendor would have touched this coin with stained hands from using “kattha” in Hindi or Gambier or Gambir, (which is an astringent extract prepared from a plant called “ Uncaria Gambir” ), while preparing the betel leaf for some customer , for chewing. Such stains were common on this denomination of coins, till inflationary pressures drove up the betel leaf costs to between two rupees upto a hundred rupees or so, depending upon the ingredients used. (For betel chewing traditions/ ingredients, please check out my post on Coins issued by Bank Negara, Malaysia – “Tepak Sirih” section).
Reverse of a 1980 coin issued by Mumbai (erstwhile Bombay) mint, showing a woman at work at a harvest thresher and the slogan “Gramin mahilaon ki pragati” in Hindi and “Rural women’s Advancement” in English. (I will be covering this coin in more detail when I put up my post on “Indian coins with social messages”).The Indian Government was laying stress on Integrated Rural Development programmes (IRDP) in the early eighties , particularly, for women, and when I joined the State Bank of India, in 1982, as a Probationary Officer, I would go along with the Loan officers in the Branch Jeep out to the remote areas within the Branch’s area of loaning and identify potential candidates, with the help of District/village authorities , for financial assistance ,as part of my training. Several women were financed on subsidized loans for purchasing, sewing machines, or developing skills in handicrafts, food processing – tomato ketchups, pickles, papads etc. and quite a few of them, showed good enterprise and self-confidence in bettering their lot.
Obverse of the coin shown above, having the Lion Capital, the words” Bharat” and “paise”in Hindi and “India” and “ paise” in English and the numeral “25”.
In 1982, India hosted the IX Asian Games in New Delhi. Coins of a few denominations viz. two rupees, twenty five paise, twenty paise and ten paise were issued on that occasion . A few test coins from this segment, went up for sale on the Kolkata mint website , in end February/beginning March 2011, which I have indented for ,to complete my segment. Delivery of these coins is still awaited from Kolkata mint. (I will be covering these issues in detail on my post on “Commemorating sports” which will be put up some time later on this blog). Almost every household in India , whether active or passive coin collectors, would have, one or all denominations of these IX Asian Games issues, lying around somewhere in their houses.
Reverse of a twenty five paise coin issued on the occasion of hosting the IX Asian Games at New Delhi. It has an image of an ancient observatory in New Delhi called “Jantar Mantar” in the centre, a sun shining on it, and the words “ Navam Asiai Khel” in Hindi and “IX Asian Games in English”. The year of issue is 1982, the mint is Kolkata mint (no mint mark below the year of issue).
The Obverse of the above coin, exhibiting similar features, as the above coin, except for the 12-sided border design. This side has become the obverse in this as well as the above coin, because, the Lion Capital , the symbol of India's sovereignty (The Coat of Arms, so to say) has moved to this side of the coin.
Reverse of a coin from 1984, issued by Kolkata mint.
The last coin in this series was minted at Ottawa/Winnipeg mints, Canada, in 1985. Notice the "C" mint mark, below the year of issue.
The third series of 25 paise coins (1988-2002):
Production for the second series of 25 paise coins continued till 1990, however, a new series of 25 paise coins was introduced in 1988, the composition of which was Ferratic Stainless Steel (FSS). The diameter of this circular coin is 19 mm, and it weighs 2.83 gms. This was necessitated by the rising costs of minting and inflation in the Indian economy.
The first few coins were issued by Ottawa mint, Canada, (mint mark “C” below the year of issue), an image of a specimen of one of these issues is placed here for reference. Interestingly, the Noida mint started minting coins in the FSS category in the same year, and ,also, issued its first coins in this category in 1988 (with its “dot” mint mark below the year of issue. I have placed a sample of this coin here,too, for reference too.
An interesting feature of all these issues was, that, on the obverse, an image of a rhino is engraved, togetherwith, the year of issue (which has moved to the obverse). The Lion Capital has moved to the reverse of the coin, togetherwith the words “Bharat” in Hindi and “India”, while the numeral 25 and “paise” in both Hindi and English have been retained on the reverse. If you look real closely, you will find, that the words “Satyameva Jayate” (truth always prevails) , are there in very fine print, sometimes, you have to use a magnifying glass to make out that these words are really there.
I have 8 specimens in this series, including coins from 1988 (one of the first issues) and from the year 2002 (one of the last issues in this series).
I am hoping, that some of the 100 odd 25 paise, coins being sent to me by my ex-colleague will, also boost my collection in this segment.
Another interesting point to note is, that, although, this denomination is now going to cease to be legal tender wef 30.06.11, in many states of India, it was not being accepted as currency by the users, since the late1990s, due to high inflation rates, therefore, phasing out this denomination now, is more or less, a kind of formality on the part of the Reserve Bank of India.
Reverse of a 1988 issue from Noida mint. Notice the “dot” mint mark below the year of issue.
This coin is one of the first issues from Noida mint and supplemented the supply of 25 paise coins, which had been indented from Ottawa mint, Canada.
Obverse of the coin given above.
Reverse of a coin issued by Ottawa/Winnipeg mint , Canada. Notice the “c” mint mark below the year of issue 1988.
Reverse of a coin issued by Noida mint in 1992.
Reverse of coins issued by Mumbai mint in 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2002. All these coins have the diamond mint mark below the year of issue.
The 2002 is one of the last few coins minted in this series.
Reverse of a coin issued in 2001 by the Hyderabad mint. Notice the five pointed star below the year of issue.
If you have any of these coins and are planning to exchange them at a Bank Branch before 30th June 2011, for other denominations which are currently in circulation, at least, keep a few specimens , which you may not come across again , except in coin albums or in coin catalogues or at coin dealers shops.
Posted on 1st July 2011:
The “chavanni” (Indian term in Hindi for the four anna coin, as well as the 25 paise coin) has now officially passed into history yesterday.
The gritty small denomination coin which had been “retired” from minting (at the age of 45, remember, that, it was first introduced in 1957) in 2002, because of inflationary pressures, has now officially “passed away” (at the age of 54) on 30th June 2011 and has ceased to be in circulation. What is encouraging indeed is the fact, that, even on 29th June 2011, the last official date for exchanging the coin across the counter at various authorized Banks in India, very few individuals chose to return the coin, choosing to hang onto the little round “fella” which had been an integral part of their growing up days . Its very sight brings back fond memories for most of us – when we could buy a lot of things with this coin in the 1970s and 1980s – “stories” which we narrate fondly to youngsters today (particularly to those who have not seen these little “discs”).
I had an opportunity to participate in a Documentary on the life and times of the 25 paise coin titled “Chal Basi Chavanni” (The four anna/twenty five paise coin passes away), aired by STAR NEWS on 29th and 30th June 2011. The programme helped in making a lot of persons hold back onto their “chavannis”, the little round beauties, instead of returning them to Banks .
The “Chavanni” is officially “dead”. Long circulate the “Athanni”
(The 50 paise coin is, fondly, called the "Athanni" in Hindi – not "fifty paise" coin which is its correct term, due to usage practice from British India times). This coin is now the smallest denomination coin in circulation in India and in danger of fast going out of circulation, because of inflation/tremendous costs of minting.
Please start collecting your 50 paise coins, before they get demonetised and get extinct.
Some interesting links on Indian coins on this Blog:
Links to other posts on Indian Currency/Banknote denominations on this blog:
10) Did-you-know-series-1: Assists for identification of Currency Notes by visually challenged users
I am sorry to say that no one mentions about the twenty five paise coins minted with "Pachchis Paise" on it.
ReplyDeleteI have seen two types of these coins. One with 'cha' after 'cha', and the other with 'cha' over 'cha'.
Can you confirm these coins?
Niranjan Karnad
9869124540
I don't have these coins in my collection, as such I am unable to comment at the moment . However, I will check up with other numismatists and see if I can find some info. Thanks for the lead.
ReplyDeletei want sell the 25paise 10paise 20paise 5paise 2paise 1paise 2paise con.28353285 9221351906 sutar.datta@rediffmail.com
ReplyDeleteOne of the 25 paise coin varieties mentioned by Mr. Niranjan Karnad in his comment on 12.08.2011 has since been placed by me on the blog i.e. a coin issued in 1964 with the 'cha' over 'cha'.
ReplyDeleteSuresh Dixit has commented on 14/11/12:
ReplyDelete"now a one rupee coin is like this".
That's true.A rupee coin issued in 2011 and 2012 is much smaller than the fifty paise coins minted in the 1970s and the fifty paise coin now resembles a twenty-five paise coin. The fifty paise coins issued in 2011 are not readily available in circulation because of their vastly diminished value. It is possible that this denomination may also get demonetised, because of the escalating cost of minting coins of smaller denomination.
ReplyDelete8 hours ago · Like
What is the mint with dot between dates????
ReplyDeleteLike 19.82
I have seen this in 1982 delhi 9th Asian games 25 paise coin..
In the 1982 Asian Games coin, you will come across "19 82" (with a blank space) like the coin shown in this post. These coins were issued by the Calcutta (present day Kolkata mint) which traditionally has no mint mark or you may come across the "Diamond" mint mark of the Mumbai Mint. Sometimes, when a lot of inscription is engraved on the outer periphery of the coin, very little space is left for engraving the mint mark, which leads to the mint mark being shifted in this manner.
DeleteI have 25 paise coins 6 call me 8890056667
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