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New Commemorative Coin: 75 Years of Azad Hind Government

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The Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi raised the national flag at the historic Red Fort, marking the 75th anniversary of the Azad Hind Fauj, widely known as the Indian National Army (INA), at a time when the nation is actively revisiting and honouring the legacy of its foremost freedom fighters. Founded by ‘Netaji’ Subhas Chandra Bose, the INA played a defining role in India's struggle for independence by galvanizing Indian soldiers and inspiring a renewed sense of patriotism across the nation. Continuing the commemorations, the Prime Minister Shri Modi is scheduled to visit Port Blair on December 30, 2018, where he will unfurl a 150-foot-long national flag to mark the platinum jubilee of the INA’s establishment. This act holds deep symbolic value, as Port Blair was the first territory liberated by the INA during World War II. The event aims to rekindle national pride and honor the sacrifices of the thousands who rallied behind Netaji’s vision of an independent India. Durin...

Art on Coins: India & the World - Exhibition at Mumbai

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This is an exhibition of artistic ancient coins, currency, and stamps at the National Centre of the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai. The collection showcases art in various forms, including portraits, scripts, and representations of nature and culture. Mr. Mohit Kapoor, the South Asia Regional Secretary for the Oriental Numismatic Society, whose Journal is edited from London, will be the Guest of Honour for the event. Mohit, who co-authored the book "Nawabs & Kings of Awadh and its Coinage," holds a Master's Degree in Numismatics and Archaeology. As a Director at the Pune-based Auction Firm, Imperial Auctions, he also leads the Center of India Numismatic Studies (COINS) to disseminate numismatic knowledge. Other highlights of the event include "Learn Ancient Script on Coin," "Coin Expert Speak," and "Read & Refer books." A model of Vasai Fort will be on display, featuring exhibits from the collections of historian and coin research...

Minting of ₹10 Coins Reduced Due to Shortage in Raw Material

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A delay in the procurement of raw materials required for coin production has compelled the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to drastically reduce its demand for ₹10 coins, cutting the indent by half and creating concerns about a potential shortage in daily transactions.  The RBI, which is responsible for ensuring an adequate and balanced supply of coins across the country, reviewed its denomination-wise requirement for FY19 after the India Government Mints reported their inability to secure sufficient ₹10 coin blanks within the expected timeframe. This shortage of blanks, essential discs upon which coins are struck, has been attributed to supply chain inefficiencies and delays from contracted vendors. The situation has been confirmed through official documents indicating that the delay left the mints unable to meet the original production targets. The Security Printing & Minting Corporation of India Ltd. (SPMCIL), the governing body that operates the four major government mints loca...

New Commemorative Coin: Birth Centenary of Smt. Vijaya Raje Scindia

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The Government of India has announced its decision to mark the Birth Centenary of Smt. Vijaya Raje Scindia, marking a year-long celebration in honor of her remarkable life and contributions to the nation. Smt. Vijaya Raje Scindia (12 October 1919 – 25 January 2001), born Lekha Divyeshwari Devi and widely known as the Rajmata of Gwalior, was an influential Indian political leader. Inspired by the Indian freedom movement, she became actively involved in the struggle for independence after completing her education. Her lifelong commitment to women’s education and empowerment defined much of her public and social work. Throughout her distinguished political career, Smt. Vijaya Raje Scindia served as a Member of Parliament from 1957 to 1998, contributing significantly to national affairs across various roles. She also collaborated with numerous organizations devoted to improving the lives of women through education and social upliftment. She passed away on January 25, 2001, leaving behind a...

New Commemorative Coin: 550th Prakash Utsav of Guru Nanak Dev

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The Government of India is expected to issue ₹550 commemorative coin to mark the 550th Prakash Utsav of Guru Nanak Dev , a momentous occasion for millions of devotees around the world. Guru Nanak Dev Ji (15 April 1469 – 22 September 1539), the revered founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus, is celebrated globally for his teachings on equality, humility, and devotion. His birth anniversary, known as Guru Nanak Gurpurab, is observed annually on Kartik Pooranmashi, the full-moon day of the month of Katak (October–November). The Prakash Utsav commemorates not only his birth but also the spiritual light he brought to humanity. The commemorative coin is tentatively scheduled for release on September 22, 2019, aligning with the anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s joti jot (spiritual ascension). An official confirmation will be issued through a Gazette notification by the Ministry of Finance, which will detail the coin's design and metal composition. Within the numismatic c...

Tale of Three Definitive Designs of Republic India Coinage

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The history of Republic of India coinage remained remarkably consistent with the design language of definitive coins . A more purposeful opportunity emerged around 2004, when the task of designing definitive coinage was entrusted, for the first time, to an institution outside the mints: the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad. The proposed programme covered denominations from 50 paise to ₹10, with a bi-metallic ₹10 coin intended to enter regular circulation for the first time. Earlier ₹10 commemorative coins —issued for the Mahatma Gandhi Centenary , the 25th Anniversary of the FAO , and the Silver Jubilee of Independence —had circulated only in limited commemorative contexts and were generally struck in silver alloys. Decades later, a new regular circulating denomination was much needed. NID developed three related yet distinct design themes: Unity in Diversity , Nritya Mudra , and Connectivity and Information Technology . Together, they offered an unusually ambitious vision...

Dispatch Starts for M. S. Subbulakshmi and Maharana Pratap Coin Sets

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The India Government Mint, Mumbai, has officially begun the dispatch process for the long-awaited commemorative coin sets issued to honour the Birth Centenary of Dr. M. S. Subbulakshmi and the 475th Birth Anniversary of Maharana Pratap . Dispatches commenced in the first week of September 2018, and customers can now expect their sets to begin arriving soon. Bookings for these commemorative issues were originally open from March 6, 2018, to May 5, 2018, and had received significant interest from collectors across India due to the historical and cultural relevance of both themes. If you have placed an order for either of these sets, you can expect delivery within approximately two months, depending on your location. The dispatches are being handled through India Post – GPO Speed Post, ensuring a secure and trackable delivery process. The Mumbai Mint will upload Speed Post tracking details on their official website, allowing customers to monitor the progress of their shipments. For any ...