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Showing posts from April, 2025

Punjab Govt Urges Centre to Issue Coins Honouring Freedom Fighters

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In a heartfelt tribute to India’s freedom fighters, the Punjab Government has urged the Centre to issue commemorative coins honouring the state’s legendary martyrs. Punjab Freedom Fighters Minister Shri Mohinder Bhagat announced on April 27, 2025, that Chief Minister Shri Bhagwant Mann has written to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, appealing for national recognition of Punjab’s heroic sons. The Chief Minister’s letter highlights Punjab’s significant role in the independence movement and honours the sacrifices of iconic revolutionaries such as Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Sukhdev, Shaheed Rajguru, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, Shaheed Lala Lajpat Rai, and Shaheed Udham Singh — names deeply etched in India’s collective memory. Shri Mohinder Bhagat emphasized that Punjab’s soil, enriched by the blood of countless martyrs, deserves a lasting tribute. He suggested that the commemorative coins could be released on national occasions like Independence Day or Republic Day to serve as ...

Kolkata Mint Opens Bookings for Mohammed Rafi Coin Sets

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The India Government Mint, Kolkata, has commenced bookings for the ₹100 commemorative coin issued to mark the Birth Centenary of Mohammed Rafi . The bookings are open from April 28, 2025, and it is subject to limited availability. Earlier, the Hon’ble Minister of Cultural Affairs and Information Technology of Maharashtra, Shri Ashish Shelar, released the ₹100 commemorative coin to mark the centenary celebration of the legendary singer Mohammed Rafi at Sri Shanmukhananda Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Auditorium, Mumbai on March 24, 2025. The ₹100 coin is currently issued in the Proof Set and UNC Set packaged in either a Folder or Blister pack. Additionally, the Proof Set with an MDF box may be issued at a later date. The ₹100 coin in the Proof Set is priced at ₹3,860, while the UNC Set is priced at ₹3,582, both offered in folder or blister packaging.  Many numismatic collectors, admirers, and music lovers of Mohammed Rafi Saab are eagerly waiting to acquire this commemorative coin . ...

Assam Govt Proposes Coin on Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika

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The Government of Assam has proposed the issuance of a ₹100 commemorative coin to mark the Birth Centenary of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika , celebrating his monumental contributions to music, art, and culture. This initiative aims to honor the legendary artist’s lasting influence, not only in Assam but across the nation. Dr. Hazarika remains an enduring symbol of unity, creativity, and social consciousness. Dr. Bhupen Hazarika was a legendary singer, composer, lyricist, poet, and filmmaker from Assam, known for his powerful voice and socially conscious songs. Celebrated as the "Bard of Brahmaputra," he used his music to promote unity, humanity, and cultural pride. His work transcended regional boundaries, leaving a lasting impact on Indian music and society. Honored with numerous awards, including the Bharat Ratna, Dr. Hazarika remains a towering figure in India's cultural history. Chief Minister Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the proposal during a press conference held in Gu...

CBDT Introduces TCS on High-Value Collectibles

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In a move that significantly impacts the collectibles market, particularly the numismatics and philatelic communities, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), under the Ministry of Finance, issued a gazette notification on April 22, 2025, introducing a 1% Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on the sale of specified high-value luxury goods. This change, made under Section 206C(1F) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, is now in effect and covers luxury items such as coins, stamps, and other collectibles. As per the notification, sellers or dealers are now required to collect 1% TCS at the time of receiving payment if the value of the goods in a single transaction exceeds ₹10 lakh. This marks an expansion of the TCS framework, which previously applied largely to the sale of high-end automobiles. The new rule explicitly focuses on per-transaction value, not aggregate annual purchases. Therefore, collectors and buyers need not be concerned if each transaction stays below the ₹10 lakh threshold, even if...

New Commemorative Coin: Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

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The Government of India will issue a ₹100  commemorative coin  to mark the ' Birth Centenary of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba '. The Ministry of Finance issued a gazette notification on April 22, 2025, confirming this coin. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba was a revered spiritual leader and humanitarian, known for his teachings on love, unity of religions, and selfless service. Born in 1926 in Puttaparthi, India, he inspired millions through his message of "Love All, Serve All" and established numerous free hospitals, schools, and water projects to uplift humanity. His legacy continues to guide people worldwide in living a life of compassion, truth, and devotion. The  metal composition  of the ₹100 coin will consist of a Quaternary Alloy, comprising 50% Silver, 40% Copper, 5% Nickel, and 5% Zinc. The coin will weigh 35 grams and have a diameter of 44 mm, featuring 200 serrations along the edge. The coin's description is as follows. Obverse:  The face of the coin shal...

New Commemorative Coin: Golden Jubilee of NMPA

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The Government of India will issue a ₹50  commemorative coin  to mark the ' Golden Jubilee of New Mangalore Port Authority '. The Ministry of Finance issued a gazette notification on April 22, 2025, confirming this coin. The New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), located in Karnataka, is a major maritime gateway on India’s west coast. Established in 1974, it handles diverse cargo like petroleum, coal, fertilizers, and agricultural products, serving the trade needs of Karnataka and neighboring states. Under the Major Port Authorities Act, it has gained autonomy to modernize operations and boost efficiency. With a growing focus on sustainability and cruise tourism, the port is emerging as a key player in India’s coastal development. The  metal composition  of the ₹50 coin will consist of a Quaternary Alloy, comprising 50% Silver, 40% Copper, 5% Nickel, and 5% Zinc. The coin will weigh 35 grams and have a diameter of 44 mm, featuring 200 serrations along the edge. The coi...

Mumbai Mint Commences Bookings for BSE Coin Sets

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The India Government Mint, Mumbai, has opened bookings for ₹150  commemorative coin  issued to celebrate  150 Years of Bombay Stock Exchange  (BSE). The bookings began today, April 21, 2025, and are available in limited quantities. Earlier, the Hon’ble Minister of Finance, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, released the ₹150  commemorative coin  to celebrate the  150 Years of Bombay Stock Exchange , on April 17, 2025 at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. The ₹150 commemorative coin is available in both Proof and UNC sets, presented in a Folder/Blister pack. Additionally, it is also offered in a Proof Set with an MDF box packaging option. The Proof Set is priced at ₹3,990, and the UNC Set at ₹3,775, both in Folder or Blister packaging. The Proof Set with MDF or Wooden Box packaging is available for ₹4,285. This coin is composed of a Quaternary Alloy consisting of 50% Silver, 40% Copper, 5% Nickel, and 5% Zinc. It weighs 35 grams, measures 44 mm in diameter...

Collecting Silver Coins Denomination-Wise in Republic India Coinage

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In the diverse and vibrant world of Indian numismatics, silver coins issued under Republic India Coinage hold a distinctive place of pride. While many collectors focus on themes, personalities, or time periods, a growing trend has emerged among enthusiasts: collecting silver coins denomination-wise. This approach offers a unique perspective on the evolution of India’s commemorative coinage and showcases the expanding creative horizon of the nation's minting authorities. Although only a few ₹10 silver coins were released between 1969 and 1972 for general circulation—such as those commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth Centenary —most silver coins are non-circulating and primarily issued through Proof and UNC sets. Until 2010, the denominations of silver commemorative coins were relatively limited. Coins in ₹10, ₹20, ₹50, and ₹100 were the norm, and many collectors built their collections around these standard values. These denominations were consistently used across various themes, ...

New Commemorative Coin: Bharat Ratna Dr. M. S. Swaminathan

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The Government of India will be issuing a ₹100 commemorative coin  and postal stamp to mark the Birth Centenary of Dr. M. S. Swaminathan . Dr. M. S. Swaminathan, widely revered as the Father of India’s Green Revolution, was a pioneering agricultural scientist whose transformative work in introducing high-yielding crop varieties turned India from a food-deficient country into a self-sufficient one. His visionary efforts not only boosted food grain production but also uplifted millions of farmers by strengthening food security during a critical phase of India’s post-independence journey. In 2024, he was posthumously conferred the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in recognition of his unparalleled contributions to agriculture and national development. The Ministry of Finance has reportedly approved the release of this commemorative coin to honour Dr. Swaminathan’s invaluable contributions and to reaffirm the nation’s collective commitment to his vision of a hunger-free wo...

Finance Minister Releases ₹150 Coin on Bombay Stock Exchange

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The Hon’ble Minister of Finance, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, released the ₹150 commemorative coin to celebrate the 150 Years of Bombay Stock Exchange today, April 17, 2025 at Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai. The event was also graced by the presence of Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairperson of SEBI; Shri Pankaj Choudhary, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance; and Shri Sundararaman Ramamurthy, MD & CEO of BSE, along with several other distinguished dignitaries from the financial and business sectors, making it a memorable occasion for all attendees. Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman delivered a message to all stakeholders in the financial ecosystem. She urged market intermediaries and exchanges to innovate with purpose while always keeping the investor at the center. To investors, she encouraged staying informed, being patient, and believing in the long-term promise of disciplined wealth creation. She appealed to corporates to u...

Kolkata Mint Commences Bookings for BITS Pilani Coin Sets

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The India Government Mint, Kolkata, has commenced bookings for the ₹60  commemorative coin  issued to mark the  Diamond Jubilee of BITS Pilani . The bookings are open from April 16, 2025, and it is subject to limited availability. Earlier, the Shri Boman Irani, as the Chief Guest, released the ₹60 commemorative coin during the convocation ceremony of the 2025 graduating class of BITSoM – BITS School of Management – held on April 14, 2025, in Mumbai. The ₹60 coin is currently issued in the Proof Set and UNC Set packaged in either a Folder or Blister pack. Additionally, the Proof Set with an MDF box may be issued at a later date. The ₹60 coin in the Proof Set is priced at ₹3,583, while the UNC Set is priced at ₹3,305, both offered in Folder or Blister packaging.  As the ₹60 coin marks a prestigious milestone for the institution, many students and alumni of BITS are looking forward to owning it as a symbol of pride and identity, in addition to regular numismatic collect...

Chenab Bridge ₹100 Coin Release by PM Modi Postponed

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The much-awaited release of the ₹100 commemorative coin by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, marking the commissioning of the Jammu–Srinagar Railway Line and featuring the iconic Chenab Bridge , scheduled for April 19, has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions. The Prime Minister was set to inaugurate the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Project (USBRL), including the world’s tallest Chenab Rail Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge, as well as flag off a special Kashmir edition of the Vande Bharat Express from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station to Srinagar. "The proposed visit of the Prime Minister to Jammu and Kashmir stands postponed. Grateful for necessary action," read the notification issued by the Director of the Special Protection Group (SPG), which was unfortunately leaked online. Such classified communications are never meant to be disclosed publicly due to security reasons, especially those concerning the movement of VVIPs. The Chenab ...

Boman Irani Launches ₹60 Coin at BITSoM Convocation Ceremony

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Shri Boman Irani, as the Chief Guest, released the ₹60 commemorative coin to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani  during the convocation ceremony of the 2025 graduating class of BITSoM – BITS School of Management – held on April 14, 2025, in Mumbai. The grand occasion was graced by the presence of Shri Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chancellor of BITS Pilani; Prof. V. Ramgopal Rao, Vice-Chancellor of BITS Pilani; along with other dignitaries, faculty members, and distinguished guests. The evening also featured a vibrant cultural music performance, adding to the joy and celebration of the graduating class. Addressing the Class of 2025, Shri Boman Irani inspired the young graduates with his words: “I wasn’t born into the film industry. I walked in through the back door and made my way to the front. If I can, anyone can.” His speech resonated deeply, leaving the audience with a message of resilience, perseverance, and belief in one’s dreams. The ...

PM Modi to Release the ₹100 Coin Featuring Chenab Bridge

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, is schedule to release a ₹100 commemorative coin to mark the commissioning of the Jammu–Srinagar Railway Line , featuring the iconic Chenab Bridge  during the flagging off of the first train between Katra in Jammu and Srinagar on April 19, 2025. The ceremony is expected to be attended by the Minister of Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw; Union Minister, Shri Jitendra Singh; Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha; Chief Minister, Shri Omar Abdullah; and other distinguished dignitaries. The Jammu–Srinagar Railway Line is a landmark infrastructure project connecting the Jammu region with the Kashmir Valley through the rugged terrain of the Himalayas. It features the iconic Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, symbolizing India's engineering excellence. This line enhances connectivity, economic growth, and national integration in the region. The Ministry of Finance issued a gazette notification on Febr...