Any coin design is composed of a number of design elements. During the process of producing a coin die, each design element is engraved on individual punches. Eventually, these design elements are embossed on a matrix to form a single composite design. The matrix is then used to manufacture the individual dies employed in the minting of coins. There are a number of steps in this process, and the details of it may vary, depending on time and place.

During the process of manufacturing the coin dies for the 1972-90 25 paise coins, no less than six different versions of the Ashoka sculpture have been applied. Thus, the Ashoka sculpture found on each individual coin can be tracked back to six original punches applied in the die manufacturing process. These six versions of the Ashoka sculpture will be described below.

Version a:

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Ashoka sculpture version a (click image to enlarge).

The "beard" below the central lion's chin consists of independent "ropes", of which the two in the middle form a single lobe or "tongue", sometimes resembling a ring on the coins. Only one hind leg is visible on the bull at the base of the sculpture.

Version b:

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Ashoka sculpture version b (click image to enlarge).

The "beard" below the central lion's chin consists of seven independent "ropes". They do not incorporate the lobe pattern of version a. Both hind legs are visible on the bull at the base of the sculpture.

Version c:

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Ashoka sculpture version c (click image to enlarge).

The central lion's "beard" forms a relatively compact "panel" below the chin. The central lion has round(-ish) eyes and no visible whiskers.

Version d:

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Ashoka sculpture version d (click image to enlarge).

The central lion's "beard" forms a relatively compact "panel" below the chin. The central lion has almond shaped eyes and visible whiskers.

Version e:

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Ashoka sculpture version e (click image to enlarge).

The "beard" below the central lion's chin consists of independent "ropes", of which the one in the center is pointed, and the two adjacent "ropes" form a cup around it.

Version f:

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Ashoka sculpture version f (click image to enlarge). (If the image is not visible, click here).

In the case of the "f" version, the side lions are "ducking". Accordingly, the distance between the lions' nosetips represents only 63 per cent of the height of the sculpture, as opposed to c. 71 per cent in the other cases.