As noted earlier, a common design element on a number of coin types of different sizes may be exact reproductions of a single original design. This is possible due to the pantograph, which facilitates mechanical reproduction of the design of a single scale model onto a number of metal punches of different sizes.
Because of this procedure, we can find identical versions of the Ashoka sculpture on coins of different denominations. The six versions (a to f) of the Ashoka sculpture on 25 paise coins of 1972-90 were illustrated in an earlier entry. Some of these versions are found once again on the 'elder brothers' of the 25 paise coins: the 50 paise and 1 rupee coins.
Click image to enlarge.
Version a. Here is a comparison of the version a Ashoka sculpture on a 25 paise coin (left) and the Ashoka sculpture on a 1973 50 paise coin KM# 61 (right). This comparison shows that they emanate from a single original scale model. Note the loop below the central 'lions' chin, formed by the central part of the lion's 'beard'.
Click image to enlarge.
Version b. Comparison of the version b sculpture on a 25 paise coin (left) and the sculpture on a 1975 1 rupee coin KM# 78.2 (right). These also appear to emanate from the same scale model.
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Version c. Comparison of the version c sculpture on a 25 paise coin (left) and the sculpture on a 1962 1 rupee coin KM# 75.1 (right). This comparison shows that they emanate from a single original scale model. Note the almost circular eyes.
Click image to enlarge.
Version d. Comparison of the version d sculpture on a 25 paise coin (left) and the sculpture on a 1970 1 rupee coin KM# 75.2 (right). This comparison shows that they emanate from a single original scale model. Note the lower mane (or 'beard') in the form of a panel.
Click image to enlarge.
Version f. Comparison of the version f sculpture on a 25 paise coin (left) and the sculpture on a 1980 1 rupee coin KM# 75.3 (right). This comparison shows that they emanate from a single original scale model. Note the ducking lions to the left and right.
Apart from the above types, we also find special types, that have not been observed among the 25 paise coins. I will refer to these as version g and h.
Ashoka sculpture version a on a 25 paise coin (left), version g on a 1974 50 paise coin (middle) and version a on a 1973 50 paise coin (right). Click image to enlarge.
Version g. The version g sculpture is similar to version a, except the bull in the base has four legs instead of three. Apparently, the extra leg has been added at some point in the production process, thus producing a new variety from the same original engraving.
Details of the Ashoka sculpture on the 50 paise coins on the previous image. In the case of version g, the bull has two hind legs, as opposed to only one on version a. Click image to enlarge.
Now for the 1 rupee coin KM# 78.1 of 1975-79. The Ashoka sculpture on some of these coins look somewhat similar to version d, while another is distinctly different. In the first case, the central lion's lower mane (or 'beard') does not appear quite like the 'panel' on the version d sculpture on the 1970 rupee (see above). However, on closer exmination, the details look strikingly similar.
The lower mane (or 'beard') on 1 rupee 1970 (above) and 1977 (below). Click image to enlarge.
In the case of the two rupee coins compared above, the lower mane consists of six 'ropes', of which the ones to the extreme left and right are shaped like a finger, the remaining are rather lumpy, of which 'lump' 3 and 4 are connected. Apparently, both depictions of the sculpture emanate from the scale model for version d. The 'panel'-like appearance of the lower mane in the case of the uppermost image may result from the design being more thoroughly embossed in the die somewhere in the production process, while the other coin may represent a more superficial impression of the image, at the expense of the depth and relief of the sculpture on the coins.
Version d sculpture on 1 rupee 1977 (click image to enlarge).
Another coin, however, is distinctly different. The sculpture reminds of version b or d, but is different from both of them. I will refer to this version as 'version h'.
Ashoka sculpture version b on a 25 paise coin (left), version h on a 1978 1 rupee coin (middle) and version d on a 1970 1 rupee coin (right). Click image to enlarge.
Version h. On version h, the lion to the left has only two fur rows immediately behind the head. This is different from the version d, where the lion to the left has three fur rows in the same position - and from version b, where the same lion has a rather blurred mane, without any rows in it.
The mane of the lion to the left on version h on a 1978 1 rupee coin (left) and on version d on a 1970 1 rupee coin (middle and right). The lion has two fur rows immediately behind the head in the first case, and three fur rows in the latter. Click image to enlarge.
Apart from the strong vs weak impression of the image, leading to a slightly different appearance, there are additional factors which may influence the appearance of any design feature on any particular coin. A large coin may receive a more precise rendering of the image than does a small coin, due to the increased amount of space improving the possibility for details to be visible. Also, the image may have been adjusted or improved during the production process, the dies will gradually wear down, leading to a more blurred image on the coins, the coins themselves will wear, sometimes leading to a significantly different look.
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Added August 25th 2007:
Ashoka sculpture version g:
Ashoka sculpture version g (click to enlarge).
Ashoka sculpture version h:
Ashoka sculpture version h (click to enlarge).
