25 paise narrow D 1 1977 Mumbai.
This subtype/date/mint combination is rather remarkable. All "narrow D" subtypes before 1977 were minted at Kolkata, and at this point in time, the Kolkata mint conformed to the "wide D 3" type of the two other mints. However, the coin illustrated above indicates, that the "narrow D 1" subtype of Kolkata was 'inherited' by Mumbai and applied there temporarily in the late 1970s.
]]>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.
Click image to enlarge.
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.
_____________________
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).
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.In pre-modern times, the artist creating the coin design would have to carry out his work on the same scale as the coins that would eventually be produced. Today, the artist prepares a much larger scale model in plaster or similar material. When the plaster piece is finished, the remaining steps in the production process are purely mechanical. The design of the plaster scale model is transferred to the punches that will be employed in the production of the matrix. This process is made possible by the invention of the pantograph. The pantograph is a mechanical device with a pointer fixed to one arm and a cutter fixed to another arm. While moving the pointer across a scale model, the pantograph will control the process of engraving the metal body at the other end, eventually reproducing the pattern of the scale model. Through this process, a punch of the appropriate size is obtained. This technology allows for punches of different sizes to be obtained from the same scale model, simply by adjusting the pantograph. Thus, it allows for coins with the same basic design elements, but differing diameter, to be minted from dies that have been obtained through parallel processes, all reproducing a single original design element. E.g. the Ashoka sculpture on individual coins of different denominations and sizes may emanate from the same original model. We should remember, that there are a number of steps in the process of transferring the design from the plaster model to the coin dies, and the details of this process may vary, depending on time and place. Apart from the obviously improved efficiency in industrialized coin production, the pantograph also makes possible a much more detailed and precise coin design, compared with pre-modern coins. The challenges for artists and craftsmen are different today from those in pre-modern times. And the outcome of their efforts should be appreciated from a different perspective.
See also this Wikipedia article on the pantograph.
]]>There has been a rumour around, that 25 paise coins are no longer legal tender. A Times of India reporter tried to spend a 25 paise coin:
Vegetable mandis , bus conductors and rickshaw-wallahs are the ones most hassled. Twenty five paise coins are still of importance here. We tried giving it at a vegetable mandi but the vendor there refused saying, "I don't accept 50 paise coins either. I have heard that RBI is banning its circulation as well !"(The Times of India, May 25th 2004: "This rumour isn't worth even 25 paise").
Eventually, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had to clarify in a press release of November 2005, 25 paise Coins - Valid for transactions, that 25 paise coins are still legal tender.
Of course, this coin has not always been disregarded. Here is a fake quarter rupee, dated 1947. Note the somewhat shocked or surprised expression on George VIs face.
Here is a badly deformed rhino type 25 paise coin. This error is the outcome of a blank which was not correctly situated between the dies at the time of minting. Such a coin should of course have been discarded, rather than released for circulation.
Noemaun Ahmed has discovered, that you can make the customers stay longer in you booth, if you take the time to count the amount of 10 Rs in 25 paise coins when giving change:
My friend counts again and gives it back to her. With all nobility, she recounts those coins but she is disturbed that she has still not got back her precious money. So she returns the coins to us.Well, so much for making a mockery of oneself for 25 paise. What are your experiences with 25 paise coins? Share them with us! ]]>Now my friend secretly adds one more coin and gives it to her friend and asks her to verify. On realising that all the coins are present, she furious with her friend. ?If you can't even count a few coins properly, why do you have to do it. And you make a mockery of yourself for 25 paise ...?.
1980: Rural women's advancement:
1981: World food day:
1982: Ninth Asian games:
1985: Forestry for development:
This type comes in two varieties: minted from local blanks and minted from Korean blanks. The import of blanks from Korea has been dealt with in a previous entry.
Flat edge (= Korean blank) above and rounded edge (= local blank) below on two different 25 paise coins.
Two varieties of the 'forestry for development' 25 paise coin: minted from Korean blank (above) and from local blank (below).
All of the five coins above display the version f Ashoka sculpture.
Korean blanks
Some mid 1980ies coins have a distinctly flat edge, as opposed to the normal, somewhat rounded, edge. The explanation given in the SCWC 2007 (p. 993) is that the blanks resulting in the flat edge coins are Korean-made, as opposed to the usual Indian blanks. The flat edge phenomenon is to be encountered on coins of 1984-1986.
Flat edge (= Korean blank) above and rounded edge (= local blank) below on two different 25 paise coins (click image to enlarge).
In the case of the Korean blanks, the edge reeding is not very deep, and sometimes appear faint. In some cases the denticles along the rim on obverse and reverse are not fully struck up. This appears to be the outcome of poor dimensioning of the blanks.
No coins produced from Korean blanks earlier than 1984 have been recorded. Apparently, the supply of blanks from Korea was part of an attempt to alleviate the coinage crisis of the 1980ies, when the production of small change couldn't keep up with demand. As noted earlier, the mints of Ottawa, Birmingham, London and Taegu (in South Korea) were supplying coins for India during 1985-88.
Six coins minted from Korean blanks are listed below, together with three regular coins for comparison. First the edges.
Note coin no. 3, 7 and 9 from above - the coins minted from local blanks. These are clearly the odd ones in this group. The others are minted from Korean blanks. Note the faint edge reeding on some of them. (Click image to enlarge).
Now, the same coins in the same order as in the image above (click images to enlarge):
Wide D 3 1984 Kolkata, Korean blank.
Wide D 3 1984 Mumbai, Korean blank.
Wide D 3 1984 Mumbai, local blank.
Wide D 3 1985 Kolkata, Korean blank. Note the faint denticles along the edge on obverse and reverse.
Wide D 3 1986 Kolkata, Korean blank. Note the faint denticles along the edge on obverse and reverse.
Wide D 5 1986 Mumbai, Korean blank.
Wide D 5 1986 Mumbai, local blank.
Wide D 5 1987 Mumbai, Korean blank. Note the faint denticles along the edge on obverse.
Wide D 5 1987 Mumbai, local blank.
Apart from the coins illustrated above, I have also seen:
wide D 5 1986 Hyderabad local blank
wide D 5 1988 Mumbai local blank
wide D 5 1989 Mumbai local blank
Note that 25 paise coins minted from Korean blanks are encountered among coins from 1984-87, and subtypes wide D 3 and wide D 5 (corresponding to KM# 49.1 and 49.5) are both represented. Korean blanks were used at the Kolkata and Mumbai mints, but apparently not at Hyderabad.
]]>Narrow D 1:
1972 Kolkata (see high resolution image in this entry).
Narrow D 2:
1973 Kolkata (see high resolution image in this entry).
1974 Kolkata.
Narrow D 3:
1975 Kolkata.
1976 Kolkata (see high resolution image in this entry).
Wide D 1:
I have never encountered this subtype.
Wide D 2:
1972 Mumbai.
1973 Mumbai.
1975 Mumbai (see high resolution image in this entry).
Wide D 3:
1974 Hyderabad.
1975 Mumbai (see high resolution image in this entry).
1976 Hyderabad.
1977 Kolkata (see high resolution image in this entry).
1977 Mumbai.
1977 Hyderabad.
1978 Kolkata.
1978 Hyderabad.
1980 Hyderabad.
1981 Hyderabad.
1983 Kolkata.
1984 Kolkata.
1984 Mumbai.
1985 Kolkata.
1985 Ottawa (see high resolution image in this entry).
1986 Kolkata.
1986 Hyderabad.
1987 Hyderabad.
Wide D 4:
1975 Hyderabad (see high resolution image in this entry).
Wide D 5:
1986 Mumbai.
1986 Hyderabad.
1987 Mumbai (see high resolution image in this entry).
1988 Mumbai.
1989 Mumbai.
_______________________
Added September 3rd 2007:
Narrow D 1:
1977 Mumbai (see high resolution image in this entry).
Narrow D 2:
1972 Kolkata.
Wide D 3:
1974 Mumbai.
The coins minted at Kolkata mint 1972-76 all belong to the narrow D category. They underwent three stages in their development. Initially the Kolkata coins had the version a Ashoka sculpture and large beads along the rim (subtype "narrow D 1"). The obverse field was then enlarged by reducing the size of the beads, and a larger version a Ashoka sculpture was applied ("narrow D 2"). At a later stage, the version a Ashoka sculpture was replaced with version b ("narrow D 3"). No narrow D type 25 paise coins from the Kolkata mint with dates later than 1976 have been recorded.
The coins minted meanwhile at the Mumbai and Hyderabad mints 1972-76 all had the wide D. Three different versions of the Ashoka sculpture were applied: version c only for the intermediary type of 1972, maybe in error ("wide D 1"), version d for the common subtypes, and version e for a scarce subtype issued since 1974 ("wide D 4"), simultaneously with the common subtypes. The coins with the version d Ashoka sculpture come in two varieties, measuring 15.2 mm ("wide D 2") and 15.7-16.0 mm ("wide D 3") across obverse field.
During 1977-81, the minting of the narrow D types was discontinued at the Kolkata mint, in favour of the "wide D 3" subtype, introduced earlier on by the Mumbai and Hyderabad mints. The minting of this subtype continued at all three mints throughout 1977-81 and beyond, while the minting of the "wide D 4" subtype ceased in 1981. Apparently, the Mumbai mint temporarily resumed minting the former Kolkata subtype "narrow D 1" during 1977-79. (Note added Sep 3 '07: this was indeed the case).
During 1982-90, the "wide D 3" subtype prevailed and was minted by all three mints plus Ottawa mint, until substituted by the "wide D 5" subtype. This, in turn, was substituted by the new rhinoceros type.
Thus, there has been an overall tendency towards gradual standadization. Whereas Kolkata on the one hand and Mumbai/Hyderabad on the other followed their seperate paths during the early seventies, all three mints were issuing the "wide D 3" subtype in the late seventies, and by 1981 the 25 paise coin had reached uniformity. The prevailing subtype ("wide D 3", succeeded by "wide D 5") was from then on minted by all three mints.
Classification table for subtypes:
For images, more detailed descriptions and comparison to SCWC classification for narrow D 1, narrow D 2 and narrow D 3 see here, for wide D 1, wide D 2, wide D 3 and wide D 4 see here and for wide D 5 see here.
]]>
25 paise 1985, "wide D 3" subtype, minted in Ottawa (click image to enlarge).
Eventually, the version f Ashoka sculpture substituted version d, resulting in yet another subtype.
"Wide D 5" subtype (click image to enlarge). (The image was updated July 21st 2007).
Wide D 5. On the above coin, Ashoka sculpture version f is applied, characterized by the "ducking" lions to the left and right of the central lion. The last recorded issue of this subtype is dated 1990. (This subtype corresponds to KM# 49.5 in the SCWC 2007).
The first 25 paise coins of the rhinocerios type were dated 1988. The new mint at Noida, which had never minted 25 paise coins of the 1972-90 type, was employed in the minting of the rhinoceros type.
The rhinoceros type 25 paise coin, issued since 1988. This particular coin was minted in Ottawa. (Click image to enlarge).
Thus, the "wide D 3" subtype prevailed and was minted by all three mints plus Ottawa mint, until substituted by the "wide D 5" subtype. This, in turn, was substituted by the new rhinoceros type.
]]>
A 25 paise coin of the "wide D 3" subtype, minted at Kolkata in 1977 (click image to enlarge).
The last recorded minting of the "wide D 4" subtype (minted by the Mumbai and Hyderabad mints) is a 1981 coin. The "wide D 3" subtype (now minted by all three mints) was issued simultaneously and beyond.
Remarkably, according to the listings in the SCWC 2007, the Mumbai mint temporarily resumed minting the former Kolkata subtype "narrow D 1" during 1977-79. (Note added Sep 3 '07: this was indeed the case).
Thus, during 1977-81, the minting of the narrow D types was discontinued at the Kolkata mint, in favour of the "wide D 3" subtype, introduced earlier on by the Mumbai and Hyderabad mints. The minting of this subtype continued throughout 1977-81 and beyond, while the minting of the "wide D 4" subtype ceased in 1981. Apparently, the Mumbai mint temporarily resumed minting the former Kolkata subtype "narrow D 1" during 1977-79.
Wide D 1. The SCWC 2007 lists a peculiar type, KM# 49.7. This type supposedly has a "lion without whiskers" on the obverse, the reverse is of the 1972-90 type, it is made of nickel and carries the date 1972 and the Mumbai mint mark. The absence of whiskers on the central lion indicates that Ashoka sculpture "version c" was applied. This suggests, that an obverse die for the preceding type, KM# 48.2 (1965-67), was used. Also the coin was made of the same metal (nickel) as the preceding type, as opposed to the 1972-90 copper-nickel coins.
25 paise 1965 KM# 48.2 displaying the "version c" Ashoka sculpture (click image to enlarge).
Thus, it appears that this is an intermediary type between KM# 48.2 and KM# 49, minted in 1972 at the Mumbai mint, using an old obverse die and old planchets, and a new reverse die. This type of intermediary coins, "mules", are usually unintended, and this type should perhaps be considered a freak. I have personally never encountered this coin, and cannot confirm its existence.
"Wide D 2" (above) and "wide D 3" (below) subtypes (click images to enlarge).
Wide D 2 and wide D 3. The coins above were minted with a different type of obverse die than the preceding subtype. The present subtypes have the version d Ashoka sculpture, i.e. the central lion has almond shaped eyes and visible whiskers. These subtypes were minted in great quantity at Mumbai and Hyderabad, and are very common. The obverse of the wide D 2 subtype measures 15.2 mm across the field, while the wide D 3 subtype measures 15.7-16.0 mm. Apparently, the wide D 2 subtype was minted during the early 1970ies only. (These subtypes combined correspond to KM# 49.1 in the SCWC 2007).
"Wide D 4" subtype (click image to enlarge).
Wide D 4. Beginning in 1974, the Mumbai and Hyderabad mints applied yet another version of the Ashoka sculpture, version e. This was used alongside version d of the preceding subtypes. The version e sculpture can be recognized by an unusual feature: 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. This subtype is rather scarce. (This subtype corresponds to KM# 49.4 in the SCWC 2007).
Thus, the 25 paise coins of the Mumbai and Hyderabad mints of 1972-76 had the wide D. Three different versions of the Ashoka sculpture were applied: version c only for the intermediary type (maybe in error), version d for the common subtypes, and version e for a scarce subtype issued since 1974 at the same mints, simultaneously with the common subtypes. The coins with the version d Ashoka sculpture come in two varieties, measuring 15.2 mm and 15.7-16.0 mm across obverse field.
]]>
Narrow D (above) and wide D (below).
The pre-1972 25 paise coins usually have the wide D. But some late 1960ies coins, all minted by the Kolkata mint, have the narrow D (type KM# 48.3 in SCWC 2007).
25 paise 1967 minted at Kolkata, displaying the narrow D (click image to enlarge).
When the new 25 paise type was introduced in 1972, the Kolkata mint applied the narrow D design, as opposed to the Mumbai and Hyderabad mints. Three subtypes of the new type have the narrow D, and all three appear to have been introduced by the Kolkata mint (according to comments made earlier on the distribution of subtypes among the mints). These three subtypes will be described below.
"Narrow D 1" subtype (click image to enlarge).
Narrow D 1. The coin above, a 1972 coin minted at Kolkata, has the "version a" Ashoka sculpture on the obverse (thus, the bull in the base of the sculpture has three visible legs). Further, it has these characteristics: 15 mm across obverse field, 9 mm between lions' nosetips. (This subtype corresponds to KM# 49.2 in the SCWC 2007). (Note added Sep 3 '07: a much clearer coin of the same type can be viewed here).
"Narrow D 2" subtype (click image to enlarge).
Narrow D 2. The coin above, a 1973 coin minted at Kolkata, has the "version a" Ashoka sculpture on the obverse (thus, the bull in the base of the sculpture has three visible legs). Further, it has these characteristics: 16 mm across obverse field, 10 mm between lions' nosetips. (This subtype corresponds to KM# 49.3 in the SCWC 2007). In the case of the present subtype, the obverse field has been enlarged (by reducing the size of the beads along the rim), thereby providing enough space for an enlarged version of the Ashoka sculpture.
"Narrow D 3" subtype (click image to enlarge).
Narrow D 3. The coin above, a 1976 coin minted at Kolkata, has the "version b" Ashoka sculpture on the obverse (thus, the bull in the base of the sculpture has four visible legs). Further, it has these characteristics: 16 mm across obverse field, 9½ mm between lions' nosetips. (This subtype corresponds to KM# 49.6 in the SCWC 2007).
No narrow D type 25 paise coins from the Kolkata mint with dates later than 1976 have been recorded. From the description of the subtypes above, it appears that the Kolkata mint first enlarged the obverse field of the type (by reducing the size of the beads along the rim), thereby providing enough space for an enlarged version of the Ashoka sculpture. At a later stage, the "version a" Ashoka statue was replaced with "version b".
]]>Mumbai mint:
1972: KM# 49.7
1972-1986: KM# 49.1
1974-1981: KM# 49.4
1977-1979: KM# 49.2
1986-1990: KM# 49.5
Hyderabad mint:
1972-1981, 1985-1988: KM# 49.1
1975-1976: KM# 49.4
1986-1988: KM# 49.5
Ottawa mint:
1985: KM# 49.1
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
]]>
The four mints of the republic of India (click image to enlarge).
The plants at Kolkata, Mumbai and Hyderabad were already operating when India gained independence in 1947. The establishment of the Noida mint was sanctioned by the government of India in January 1986 (source).
During the reign of Edward VII (1901-1910), when Kolkata was the capital of India, coins minted at Kolkata bore no indication of their mint of origin, while coins minted at Mumbai were marked with a small B for Bombay. This system was retained during the reigns of George V (1910-1936) and George VI (1936-1947), although the B for Bombay was substituted by a bead, dot or diamond in various positions. (There are a few exceptions to this rule, but we cannot go into details with this subject here). During the second world war a mint at Lahore was also employed. This mint was initially designated by a small L, though this was soon substituted by other markings. During the colonial era, the mint at Hyderabad produced its distinctive coinage for the kingdom of Hyderabad.
When India attained independence in 1947, Pakistan was established as a separate state, while inheriting the Lahore mint from the British. The state of India was reorganized into a federal republic, incorporating in the process a large number of princely states, which had been an integral part of the British colonial system. Thus, the mint of Hyderabad was incorporated into the system of mints administered by the central government of India.
The mint marks of the years immediately preceding independence were also applied after 1947. Thus, the coins of the Kolkata mint have no mint mark, while the coins of the Mumbai mint carry a diamond. The Hyderabad mint was designated by three different successive mint marks: vertically split diamond (1953-1960), incuse dot in diamond (1960-1968) and star (since 1963) (all dates according to the SCWC 2007, p. 987). The Noida mint, established in the 1980ies, is designated by a round dot.
The four mint marks used by the mints of India from the 1970ies to the present. From left to right: Kolkata (no mint mark), Mumbai (diamond), Hyderabad (star), Noida (dot). (Click image to enlarge).
Apart from the four mints of the Republic of India, a number of foreign mints have produced coins for India, namely Ottawa, Birmingham, Kremnica, London, Mexico City, Pretoria, Moscow and Taegu. The Mumbai mint has issued special coins in proof condition for collectors. These may carry a B (for Bombay) or M (for Mumbai) mint mark instead of the usual diamond.
The home pages of the Indian mints can be found here:
Kolkata: http://igmint.org/
Mumbai: http://www.mumbaimint.org/index.html
Noida: http://www.noidamint.org/index.htm
Apparently, Hyderabad mint does not have a home page of its own.
See also "Modern Mints of India" by Roger deWardt Lane.
_________________
Added July 9th 2007:
The Kolkata and Mumbai mints have been minting coins continuously throughout the era of Indian independence, while the establishment of the Noida mint was sanctioned by the government of India only in 1986, as stated above.
In Hyderabad, only 1 pice/paisa coins were minted during the 1950ies, adding the 3, 5 and 10 paise denominations to the production range in the 1960ies, and broadening the scope further since about 1970. Many of the Hyderabad issues of the 1950ies and 1960ies appear to be minted in small quantity. Thus, the Hyderabad mint only gradually became a regular mint alongside the others.
The foreign mints that have produced coins for India are listed below, together with the specific coins minted (according to the listings in SCWC 2007):
Ottawa: 10 p. 1988, 25 p. 1985, 1988, 50 p. 1988.
Birmingham: 1 r. 1985.
Kremnica: 1 r. 1998, 1999, 2000.
London: 1 r. 1985, 2 r. 1999.
Mexico City: 1 r. 1997, 5 r. 1999.
Pretoria: 1 r. 1998, 1999, 2 r. 1998.
Moscow: 2 r. 2000, 5 r. 1999, 2000.
Taegu: 50 p. 1985, 2 r. 1997, 1998.
At the point in time when the authorities initially resorted to supply from foreign mints, the existing mints were incapable of fulfilling the demand for small change. The Noida mint was established in an attempt to solve this problem (source).
]]>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).
