1987 - New Steel Coins of 10 Paise

The new pattern coins for the 10 Paise denomination were struck in 1987 as part of the Mint's continuing efforts to finalise the new stainless steel series for India's lower denominations.

These patterns followed the experimental issues of 1986 and represent the final stage of design selection before the introduction of stainless steel coins into circulation.

When studied together with the 1986 pattern coins, it becomes evident that the designs for the 25 Paise and 50 Paise denominations had already been finalised and approved. The 1987 patterns, therefore, appear to have focused primarily on the 10 Paise denomination, for which multiple design alternatives were still under consideration.

An interesting feature of the 1987 pattern set is the existence of two different 10 Paise designs. One depicts the Great Indian Bustard, an endangered bird that had already appeared on earlier circulating aluminium 10 Paise coins. The other features a simpler design with only the denomination and standard national motifs. The inclusion of both types in the pattern set strongly suggests that the Mint evaluated alternative designs before making a final decision. Available evidence indicates that the Bustard Bird design was ultimately rejected, while the simpler design was selected for production.

These pattern coins provide a rare glimpse into the decision-making process within the Indian Mint. Pattern coins are produced in very limited quantities and are intended for internal evaluation, approval by the Government, or presentation purposes. Most never enter public hands, making surviving examples exceptionally scarce and highly sought after by collectors.

The complete pattern set gained wider recognition when it appeared in Todywalla Auctions Auction 100 (2015), Lot No. 166, where it was offered together with the 1986 pattern coins. The lot realised approximately ₹3.3 lakhs, highlighting both its rarity and its importance in the history of modern Indian coinage. The sale also confirmed the existence of these previously little-known pattern issues and brought them to the attention of the numismatic community.

The transition to stainless steel marked a significant milestone in India's circulating coinage. Stainless steel offered superior durability, lower production costs, and greater resistance to corrosion compared with the metals previously used for lower denominations. Following the successful completion of the pattern and approval process, the first stainless steel 10 Paise, 25 Paise and 50 Paise coins were introduced into circulation in 1988. These coins marked the beginning of a new chapter in Republic India coinage, with the 1987 patterns serving as the final prototypes that paved the way for their official release.