Is India's First Coloured Coin Coming Soon?

As per recent rumors circulating among numismatists and insiders during the recent Mumbai and Hyderabad coin fairs and exhibitions, the India Government Mint is rumored to introduce the first coloured coin in India soon. There might be commemorative coins in non-circulating Proof and Uncirculated sets, as there have been no recent circulating commemorative coins in smaller denominations. Only definitive series coins in denominations of ₹1, ₹2, ₹5, ₹10, and ₹20 are currently issued.

This move towards innovative coins could significantly elevate the art of coin manufacturing. Innovative coins can make a lasting impact on the numismatics industry by employing cutting-edge striking techniques to captivate collectors with distinctive and exclusive designs. Success in this endeavor hinges on the meticulous maintenance of special ink development, polished design, textured surface, production room environment, cure time, and temperature.

In the recent release of commemorative coins in India, a couple of designs have been subpar, and the proof sets are poorly packed from the mint, even after charging a higher premium. A notable example is the Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada Proof coin set, where scratches and dust inside the capsule are evident.

If coloured coins are released, numismatic enthusiasts will only truly enjoy them if there are scientific innovations, such as curved coins, glow-in-the-dark features, a “backlit effect” (dynamic glow effect), and digital illustrations with high-resolution images using a vivid spectrum of colours.

If the introduction of coloured coins is intended to expand numismatic collections into a new market, a wide range of themes and designs should be released with both circulating and non-circulating coins. Coloured coins are often more common among collectible pieces than regular releases worldwide.

The world's first coloured coins were non-circulated releases by the small island country of Palau in 1992, featuring a printed coloured motif on a $1 copper-nickel and $5 silver coins.

However, in 2004, the Royal Canadian Mint became a trailblazer in the minting industry when it introduced the world’s first coloured circulation coin. The 25-cent coin featured a brilliant red poppy, the symbol of remembrance that pays homage to the brave Canadian men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation.

We hope for a series of high-quality coloured coins from the India Government Mint if the circulating rumors are indeed true.