Apr 15
After acquiring independence from British rule in 1947, India has minted
numerous coins and currencies. The first coin that India minted was in the year 1950. Since then, we have not looked back! There are countless amounts of Indian coins that are minted with different mintmarks and inscriptions. Some of these are not in circulation at the moment. However, in this article, we will focus on those Indian coins that are being circulated easily in the markets. At the end of each paragraph is a custom search link so that if you want to easily find more examples of the particular coin on eBay, you can.
This article is quite long so if you're looking for just a certain coin you can use one of these links to skip down the page:
50 Paise 1 Rupee 2 Rupee5 Rupee 10 Rupee
50 Paise Coins:
At present, there are 3 different varieties of 50 Paise coins that are being circulated in India.
This variety of 50 Paise coin weighs 3.75 grams and its diameter is 22mm. The metal composition of this variety is Ferritic Stainless Steel. The obverse of the coin shows the Emblem of India with the legend "Satyameva Jayate*." Moreover, the value of the coin is also mentioned on the obverse. Reverse side of the coin shows the map of India with the Parliament Building in the background. This variety was minted in Kolkata, Mumbai,
Noida, Hyderabad, and Canada. Find this coin on eBay!
This variety of 50 Paise coins were issued in the year 2008 to 2010. The theme of this coin is one of the "Mudras" of India's classical dances Bharat Natyam**. The weight and diameter of this variety is similar to the previous issue. The obverse of the coin shows the Emblem with the year of issue mentioned. Reverse of the coin shows a clenched fist with the value. This variety was minted in Kolkata, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.Find this coin on eBay!
This newly designed 50 Paise coin minted in the year 2011 has the size reduced from the previous variety. The coin weighs 2.83gms and the diameter is 19mm. Moreover, it looks similar to the 5 Rupee coin. The obverse of the coin showcases a bigger Emblem than the previous variety. The reverse has been changed and it shows the denominational value with the floral design. Find this coin on eBay!
One rupee coins:
There are four different varieties of One rupee coins that are still in circulation in India. These coins are somewhat similar in size and shape. However, the obverse and reverse side of these coins makes them unique from each other.
First minted in the year 1992, the composition of this one rupee coin is Ferritic Stainless Steel. The Diameter is 25mm and weight is 4.85gms. This circular shaped coin has the Emblem of India as well as "Satyamev Jayate" printed on the obverse. The reverse of the coin has the value as well as two stalks of wheat. This variety was minted in Kolkata, Mumbai, Noida, Hyderabad, Mexico, Kremnca. Find this coin on eBay!
This 2004 one rupee coin is an extremely rare coin as only 100 coins of this issue were distributed. This is because the minting of this variety was stopped due to the opposition of many authoritative people of India. More about the withhold of this coin has been discussed below. Many collectors have purchased these coins for 7000-8000 ($130-170 USD) rupees per coin. Due to its scarcity, this coin is not in circulation at the moment. However, any person who owns this variety and is unaware of the details of this coin can circulate it easily in his daily purchase until it reaches the hands of a collector. Find this coin on eBay!
The weight of this coin is 4.95gms and diameter is 24.8mm. The obverse of this coin has a cross sign with four dots on each side. This symbol is believed to be a Christian Cross and so it was not accepted by most of the Indians. Hence, after a lot of hue and cry the mintage of this coin was withheld and the Government withdrew them from circulation. However, if someone uses this variety at present in circulation then these coins can be
used without any difficulties. This variety was minted in Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Noida. Find this coin on eBay!
Minted in the year 2007, this circular shaped one rupee coin is also composed of Ferritic Stainless Steel. The weight and diameter is the same as the previous issue. However, the look of the coin has been changed as the obverse showcases the Emblem of India whereas the Reverse has the value mentioned and a hand showing thumb. The theme of this 1 Rupee coin is one of the "Mudras" of India's classical dances, "Bharat Natyam." This variety is minted in Mumbai, Noida, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Find this coin on eBay!
The latest issue of one rupee coin was minted in the year 2011. The diameter of this coin has been reduced to 22mm whereas the weight and composition remains the same. This circular shaped coin has the Emblem of India on the obverse side which is little bigger than the previous variety. The reverse showcases the value, new rupee sign, and year of minting as well as the floral motif. This variety was minted in Mumbai and Kolkata. Find this coin on eBay!
2 rupee coins:
There are four different varieties of 2 rupee coins that are still in circulation. These coins vary in size, shape, as well as looks.
One of the 2 rupee coins that are still in circulation is the coin that was first minted in the year 1992. This coin has a diameter of 26mm and the weight is 6gms. The composition of this coin is Cupro-Nickel and it is an Eleven Sided coin (Hendecagonal). The obverse of the coin has the picture of the Emblem of India as well as the value. The reverse shows the map of India and "National Integration" inscribed in Hindi as well as English. At the bottom of the coin the date can be seen. This variety was minted in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Noida, Seoul, Pretoria, Moscow, and the Dominican Republic. Ever since the inception of a similar 2 Rupee coin in 1982, its theme has been National Integration and this design has continued until 2004. As there was a significant rise in the metal prices, the mintage of this variety of 2 rupee coin that was composed of Cupro-Nickel was stopped. Moreover, majority of these coins were melted back into the base metal as the value of the base metal was higher. This made the 2004 Cupro-Nickel coin a rare one. Find this coin on eBay!
The new 2 rupee coin with composition of Ferritic Stainless Steel and cross design was introduced in the year 2004. The theme of this variety is Unity in Diversity. These coins were minted in the year 2004 to 2007. The weight of this coin is 5.62gms and diameter is 27mm. The obverse of this circular shaped coin has the value as well as a double cross and four dots on each side. As the cross sign resembles the Christian Cross, minting of this variety too was withheld by the Government of India. The reverse of the coin shows the numerals and Emblem of India. This variety was minted in Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Noida. Find this coin on eBay!
In the year 2007, another two rupee variety that was issued is a circular shaped coin. The diameter and the weight of these coins has remained the same as the previous issue. This Ferritic Stainless Steel coin has the Emblem of India as well as year of minting mentioned on the Obverse. The Reverse side of the coin has the value as well as a hand showing two fingers. This represents one of the "Mudras" of India's classical dances,
"Bharat Natyam".Find this coin on eBay!
First minted in the year 2011, this two rupee variety is completely different than the previous issue. The Diameter has been reduced to 25mm whereas the weight, composition and shape remain the same. The obverse of the coin showcases the Emblem of India and the reverse has the value, new rupee sign, year of minting, and a floral motif. Find this coin on eBay!
5 rupee coins:
At present there are five different types of 5 rupee coins that are still in circulation. All these 5 coins are different and unique as they are made up of different compositions.
This 5 rupee coin that is still in circulation was first minted in the year 1992. This Cupro-Nickel coin has a diameter of 23mm and weighs 9gms. A circular shaped coin, this variety has the Emblem of India on the obverse and the value mentioned in the reverse side of the coin. This variety was minted in Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Noida, and Moscow. Find this coin on eBay!
As the weight of the previous issued coin was quite high, another 5 rupee coin was issued and this one was minted only in the year 2007. The weight of the coin was reduced to 6gms and the metal composition was changed to Ferritic Stainless Steel. This is an extremely rare coin because of the controversy attached to it. It had a similar controversy created as one done for 1 rupee and 2 rupee coins which had alike symbol of Christian Cross on the obverse of the coin. Very few coins of this variety were circulated and hence, these coins are rare. The theme of this coin is Unity in Diversity. This variety was minted only in Kolkata. Find this coin on eBay!
The diameter of this coin is 23mm. The theme of this variety is Information Technology and Connectivity. This variety was issued in the year 2007 and 2008. The obverse of the coin has a smaller Emblem with the year of issue. However, the reverse side has been changed and it showcases the value as well as wavy lines. This variety was minted in Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Noida.Find this coin on eBay!
In the year 2009, another variety of 5 rupee coin was issued. The diameter, weight, shape, obverse as well as reverse remained the same as the Cupro-Nickel coin variety. However, the composition of this coin has been changed to Nickel-Brass alloy. Find this coin on eBay!
This is the latest 5 rupee coin that was first issued in the year 2011. This coin is made up of Ferritic Stainless Steel. This circular shaped coin weighs 4.85gms and has a diameter of 25mm. The obverse side of the coin showcases a larger Emblem of India whereas the
reverse has been changed completely. The reverse showcases the value, year of minting, new rupee sign and floral motif design. This variety is minted only in Hyderabad. Find this coin on eBay!
10 rupee coins:
There are three different types of 10 rupee coins that are still in circulation. These three coins are completely different to each other.
Minted in the year 2005, 2006, and 2007, this bimetallic coin has the diameter of 27mm and weighs 7.71gms. This circular shaped coin has the Emblem of India as well as value printed on the obverse. The reverse side of the coin again has the value and a double cross. This variety was minted only in Noida. The theme of this coin is Unity and Diversity. Similar to the previous Cross coins, this variety too is an extremely rare one as very few coins were minted. Find this coin on eBay!
The theme of this variety is Connectivity and IT. This variety was issued in the year 2008 to 2010. The obverse of the coin has a smaller Emblem and the year mentioned. The reverse of this bi-metallic coin showcases an outward radiating pattern that depicts connectivity and growth. This variety is minted only in Noida. Find this coin on eBay!
This last variety of 10 rupee coin was first minted in 2011 and is composed of Cupro-Nickel. The diameter as well as weight of this coin has reduced to 27mm and 5.62gms respectively. This circular shaped coin has the Emblem of India and year of minting on the obverse. The reverse showcases the value, year, and India's new rupee sign. This is the latest 10 Rupee coin that has been issued by the Government of India. Find this coin on eBay!
Conclusion:
The Government of India has stopped minting some of the above-mentioned coins. However, all these coins are still in circulation in India. There are some coins that are in circulation in some parts of India. For example, the 50 Paise coin is not being used in Rajasthan. However, it is still being used in Mumbai. In case a person tries using the 50 Paise coin in Rajasthan then the shop-keeper would even scare him of the dire consequences as they think this coin to be a banned one. In Bangalore, if a shop owes you 50 Paise then he will just give you a mint instead of the coin.
Similarly, for the other denomination coins, if someone is unaware of its rarity, then he can use the coin without any difficulty. Thus, we could conclude that these various varieties of Indian coins are still in circulation in the local markets of India.
Editor's notes:
*Satyamev Jayate means "Truth Alone Triumphs" and is India's national motto.
**"Mudras" are distinct hand gestures used in a type of dance called Bharat Natyam
numerous coins and currencies. The first coin that India minted was in the year 1950. Since then, we have not looked back! There are countless amounts of Indian coins that are minted with different mintmarks and inscriptions. Some of these are not in circulation at the moment. However, in this article, we will focus on those Indian coins that are being circulated easily in the markets. At the end of each paragraph is a custom search link so that if you want to easily find more examples of the particular coin on eBay, you can.
This article is quite long so if you're looking for just a certain coin you can use one of these links to skip down the page:
50 Paise 1 Rupee 2 Rupee5 Rupee 10 Rupee
50 Paise Coins:
At present, there are 3 different varieties of 50 Paise coins that are being circulated in India.
This variety of 50 Paise coin weighs 3.75 grams and its diameter is 22mm. The metal composition of this variety is Ferritic Stainless Steel. The obverse of the coin shows the Emblem of India with the legend "Satyameva Jayate*." Moreover, the value of the coin is also mentioned on the obverse. Reverse side of the coin shows the map of India with the Parliament Building in the background. This variety was minted in Kolkata, Mumbai,
Noida, Hyderabad, and Canada. Find this coin on eBay!
This variety of 50 Paise coins were issued in the year 2008 to 2010. The theme of this coin is one of the "Mudras" of India's classical dances Bharat Natyam**. The weight and diameter of this variety is similar to the previous issue. The obverse of the coin shows the Emblem with the year of issue mentioned. Reverse of the coin shows a clenched fist with the value. This variety was minted in Kolkata, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.Find this coin on eBay!
This newly designed 50 Paise coin minted in the year 2011 has the size reduced from the previous variety. The coin weighs 2.83gms and the diameter is 19mm. Moreover, it looks similar to the 5 Rupee coin. The obverse of the coin showcases a bigger Emblem than the previous variety. The reverse has been changed and it shows the denominational value with the floral design. Find this coin on eBay!
One rupee coins:
There are four different varieties of One rupee coins that are still in circulation in India. These coins are somewhat similar in size and shape. However, the obverse and reverse side of these coins makes them unique from each other.
First minted in the year 1992, the composition of this one rupee coin is Ferritic Stainless Steel. The Diameter is 25mm and weight is 4.85gms. This circular shaped coin has the Emblem of India as well as "Satyamev Jayate" printed on the obverse. The reverse of the coin has the value as well as two stalks of wheat. This variety was minted in Kolkata, Mumbai, Noida, Hyderabad, Mexico, Kremnca. Find this coin on eBay!
This 2004 one rupee coin is an extremely rare coin as only 100 coins of this issue were distributed. This is because the minting of this variety was stopped due to the opposition of many authoritative people of India. More about the withhold of this coin has been discussed below. Many collectors have purchased these coins for 7000-8000 ($130-170 USD) rupees per coin. Due to its scarcity, this coin is not in circulation at the moment. However, any person who owns this variety and is unaware of the details of this coin can circulate it easily in his daily purchase until it reaches the hands of a collector. Find this coin on eBay!
The weight of this coin is 4.95gms and diameter is 24.8mm. The obverse of this coin has a cross sign with four dots on each side. This symbol is believed to be a Christian Cross and so it was not accepted by most of the Indians. Hence, after a lot of hue and cry the mintage of this coin was withheld and the Government withdrew them from circulation. However, if someone uses this variety at present in circulation then these coins can be
used without any difficulties. This variety was minted in Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Noida. Find this coin on eBay!
Minted in the year 2007, this circular shaped one rupee coin is also composed of Ferritic Stainless Steel. The weight and diameter is the same as the previous issue. However, the look of the coin has been changed as the obverse showcases the Emblem of India whereas the Reverse has the value mentioned and a hand showing thumb. The theme of this 1 Rupee coin is one of the "Mudras" of India's classical dances, "Bharat Natyam." This variety is minted in Mumbai, Noida, Hyderabad, and Kolkata. Find this coin on eBay!
The latest issue of one rupee coin was minted in the year 2011. The diameter of this coin has been reduced to 22mm whereas the weight and composition remains the same. This circular shaped coin has the Emblem of India on the obverse side which is little bigger than the previous variety. The reverse showcases the value, new rupee sign, and year of minting as well as the floral motif. This variety was minted in Mumbai and Kolkata. Find this coin on eBay!
2 rupee coins:
There are four different varieties of 2 rupee coins that are still in circulation. These coins vary in size, shape, as well as looks.
One of the 2 rupee coins that are still in circulation is the coin that was first minted in the year 1992. This coin has a diameter of 26mm and the weight is 6gms. The composition of this coin is Cupro-Nickel and it is an Eleven Sided coin (Hendecagonal). The obverse of the coin has the picture of the Emblem of India as well as the value. The reverse shows the map of India and "National Integration" inscribed in Hindi as well as English. At the bottom of the coin the date can be seen. This variety was minted in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Noida, Seoul, Pretoria, Moscow, and the Dominican Republic. Ever since the inception of a similar 2 Rupee coin in 1982, its theme has been National Integration and this design has continued until 2004. As there was a significant rise in the metal prices, the mintage of this variety of 2 rupee coin that was composed of Cupro-Nickel was stopped. Moreover, majority of these coins were melted back into the base metal as the value of the base metal was higher. This made the 2004 Cupro-Nickel coin a rare one. Find this coin on eBay!
The new 2 rupee coin with composition of Ferritic Stainless Steel and cross design was introduced in the year 2004. The theme of this variety is Unity in Diversity. These coins were minted in the year 2004 to 2007. The weight of this coin is 5.62gms and diameter is 27mm. The obverse of this circular shaped coin has the value as well as a double cross and four dots on each side. As the cross sign resembles the Christian Cross, minting of this variety too was withheld by the Government of India. The reverse of the coin shows the numerals and Emblem of India. This variety was minted in Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Noida. Find this coin on eBay!
In the year 2007, another two rupee variety that was issued is a circular shaped coin. The diameter and the weight of these coins has remained the same as the previous issue. This Ferritic Stainless Steel coin has the Emblem of India as well as year of minting mentioned on the Obverse. The Reverse side of the coin has the value as well as a hand showing two fingers. This represents one of the "Mudras" of India's classical dances,
"Bharat Natyam".Find this coin on eBay!
First minted in the year 2011, this two rupee variety is completely different than the previous issue. The Diameter has been reduced to 25mm whereas the weight, composition and shape remain the same. The obverse of the coin showcases the Emblem of India and the reverse has the value, new rupee sign, year of minting, and a floral motif. Find this coin on eBay!
5 rupee coins:
At present there are five different types of 5 rupee coins that are still in circulation. All these 5 coins are different and unique as they are made up of different compositions.
This 5 rupee coin that is still in circulation was first minted in the year 1992. This Cupro-Nickel coin has a diameter of 23mm and weighs 9gms. A circular shaped coin, this variety has the Emblem of India on the obverse and the value mentioned in the reverse side of the coin. This variety was minted in Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Noida, and Moscow. Find this coin on eBay!
As the weight of the previous issued coin was quite high, another 5 rupee coin was issued and this one was minted only in the year 2007. The weight of the coin was reduced to 6gms and the metal composition was changed to Ferritic Stainless Steel. This is an extremely rare coin because of the controversy attached to it. It had a similar controversy created as one done for 1 rupee and 2 rupee coins which had alike symbol of Christian Cross on the obverse of the coin. Very few coins of this variety were circulated and hence, these coins are rare. The theme of this coin is Unity in Diversity. This variety was minted only in Kolkata. Find this coin on eBay!
The diameter of this coin is 23mm. The theme of this variety is Information Technology and Connectivity. This variety was issued in the year 2007 and 2008. The obverse of the coin has a smaller Emblem with the year of issue. However, the reverse side has been changed and it showcases the value as well as wavy lines. This variety was minted in Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Noida.Find this coin on eBay!
In the year 2009, another variety of 5 rupee coin was issued. The diameter, weight, shape, obverse as well as reverse remained the same as the Cupro-Nickel coin variety. However, the composition of this coin has been changed to Nickel-Brass alloy. Find this coin on eBay!
This is the latest 5 rupee coin that was first issued in the year 2011. This coin is made up of Ferritic Stainless Steel. This circular shaped coin weighs 4.85gms and has a diameter of 25mm. The obverse side of the coin showcases a larger Emblem of India whereas the
reverse has been changed completely. The reverse showcases the value, year of minting, new rupee sign and floral motif design. This variety is minted only in Hyderabad. Find this coin on eBay!
10 rupee coins:
There are three different types of 10 rupee coins that are still in circulation. These three coins are completely different to each other.
Minted in the year 2005, 2006, and 2007, this bimetallic coin has the diameter of 27mm and weighs 7.71gms. This circular shaped coin has the Emblem of India as well as value printed on the obverse. The reverse side of the coin again has the value and a double cross. This variety was minted only in Noida. The theme of this coin is Unity and Diversity. Similar to the previous Cross coins, this variety too is an extremely rare one as very few coins were minted. Find this coin on eBay!
The theme of this variety is Connectivity and IT. This variety was issued in the year 2008 to 2010. The obverse of the coin has a smaller Emblem and the year mentioned. The reverse of this bi-metallic coin showcases an outward radiating pattern that depicts connectivity and growth. This variety is minted only in Noida. Find this coin on eBay!
This last variety of 10 rupee coin was first minted in 2011 and is composed of Cupro-Nickel. The diameter as well as weight of this coin has reduced to 27mm and 5.62gms respectively. This circular shaped coin has the Emblem of India and year of minting on the obverse. The reverse showcases the value, year, and India's new rupee sign. This is the latest 10 Rupee coin that has been issued by the Government of India. Find this coin on eBay!
Conclusion:
The Government of India has stopped minting some of the above-mentioned coins. However, all these coins are still in circulation in India. There are some coins that are in circulation in some parts of India. For example, the 50 Paise coin is not being used in Rajasthan. However, it is still being used in Mumbai. In case a person tries using the 50 Paise coin in Rajasthan then the shop-keeper would even scare him of the dire consequences as they think this coin to be a banned one. In Bangalore, if a shop owes you 50 Paise then he will just give you a mint instead of the coin.
Similarly, for the other denomination coins, if someone is unaware of its rarity, then he can use the coin without any difficulty. Thus, we could conclude that these various varieties of Indian coins are still in circulation in the local markets of India.
Editor's notes:
*Satyamev Jayate means "Truth Alone Triumphs" and is India's national motto.
**"Mudras" are distinct hand gestures used in a type of dance called Bharat Natyam
