1964 - Paisa Series II | Definitive Coin

The year 1964 also marked the beginning of the Paisa Series of definitive coins, following the removal of the prefix "Naya" from the decimal coinage. It also witnessed the introduction of the 3 Paise denomination, while the 20 Paise coin was introduced later in 1968 as a new addition to the definitive series.

During the mid-1960s, the composition of India's lower-denomination coins underwent a significant transformation as the Government of India sought to reduce minting costs and improve production efficiency. Coins that had previously been struck in bronze, nickel-brass, cupro-nickel, and aluminium-bronze were gradually replaced with lighter and more economical aluminium issues.

The transition began in 1964 with the introduction of the 3 Paisa coin, a completely new denomination in the Indian decimal series. Struck in aluminium, it remained in production until 1971. In 1965, the 1 Paisa and 2 Paise coins were also converted to aluminium and were issued with simplified designs, omitting the Devanagari explanatory legend that had appeared on earlier decimal coins. The 5 Paise denomination followed in 1967, when it too was struck in aluminium.

In 1968, the 20 Paise coin was introduced as a new denomination and was struck in aluminium-bronze, giving it a distinctive golden appearance. The 10 Paise coin was also changed from cupro-nickel to aluminium-bronze in the same year. Both denominations remained in production until 1971, after which changes in metal composition and design were introduced. These developments marked an important phase in the evolution of India's decimal coinage, reflecting both economic considerations and the country's efforts to modernise its circulating coinage.