The 1972-90 25 paise type has been divided into a number of subtypes in the "Standard Catalog of World Coins" (published annually, Krause Publications), henceforth referred to as SCWC. This listing is being revised from time to time, to include new information. The SCWC should not be considered an exhaustive and definitive authority on the subject. First of all, the SCWC is well known for its inaccuracies and erroneous listings, although important improvements have taken place in recent years when it comes to the republic of India. Secondly, the scope of the catalogue is to offer a comprehensive single-volume listing of 20th century coins world wide. This does not allow for indepth studies of individual types from any particular country. But above all, a thorough study of the series should not be restricted to a listing of varieties (such as the SCWC), it should describe the evolution of the series in a historical context.
25 paise 1972-90 type (click image to enlarge).
Thus, a more detailed study is necessary. This site will attempt to sought out the various subtypes of the 1972-90 25 paise coins. We will attempt to document details of the evolution of this type by providing images of actual coins. An independent classification system will be applied to avoid confusion arising from ambiguous classifications in other listings. Readers are encouraged to leave comments in the various entries. In particular, additional details on the series will be highly appreciated.
The obverse of the 1972-90 25 paise coins depicts the national emblem of India, which is a replica of the
Lion capital of Sarnath, near Varanasi (Benares) in Uttar Pradesh. This is a monument from the time of Maurya dynasty emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE). (See also here). To the right of the Ashoka column is the word "INDIA", and to the left its Hindi equivalent "Bharat". The reverse carries the number "25" with large numerals. Above "PAISE" in Devanagari (Hindi) and Latin script. At the bottom of the reverse is a wreath, and immediately above this, the date.The preceding 25 paise coins had a smaller number "25", with the Hindi equivalent of "twenty-five paise" beneath. With the introduction of the new 25 paise coins, the long spelled-out denomination was dropped.
The new coins were made of copper-nickel, which is a special feature with this type. The quarter rupees of the first half of the 20th century were made of silver, but had the same diameter. Since 1946 they were made of pure nickel. In 1957, the decimal system was introduced, i.e. the rupee was divided into 100 paise. At this point, the quarter rupee changed its name to "25 paise". The coins continued to be made of pure nickel until 1972. During 1972-1990 the 25 paise coins were made of copper-nickel, and since the introduction of the rhinoceros type in 1988, of stainless steel. However, during 1919-21 the unusual denomination of "4 annas", equal to a quarter rupee, were made of copper-nickel.
Rhinoceros type 25 paise coin 1988, stainless steel. This particular coin was minted in Ottawa, Canada, indicated by mint mark "C" (click image to enlarge).
Nice study. In decimal currency system, 25 paise in Cupro nickel had 3 major variations. The first change was from "naye paise" to "paise" but a minor change was spelling "pachis ( "twenty five" in Hindi) which was due to change of script of Devnagari. This point is often overlooked by most of the numismatists.