Here's a post detailing the 1 Pice coin minted in India from 1950 to 1955
, which was indeed among the first coins issued by the Republic of India:
Unearthing a Piece of Post-Independence India: The 1 Pice Coin (1950-1955)
Step back in time to the dawn of independent India with a look at a humble yet historically significant coin – the 1 Pice, minted between 1950 and 1955. This was one of the very first coins issued by the newly formed Republic of India, marking a crucial transition from British colonial coinage.
A Symbol of New Beginnings
After gaining independence in 1947, India initially continued with the existing monetary system. However, on August 15, 1950, the Republic of India introduced its distinctive new series of coins, and the 1 Pice was part of this inaugural "Anna Series." This series saw the King's portrait replaced by the iconic Lion Capital of the Ashoka Pillar, symbolizing India's new national identity and sovereignty.
Key Details of the 1 Pice Coin (1950-1955):
* Denomination: 1 Pice (which was equivalent to 1/64th of a Rupee in the pre-decimal system).
* Composition: These coins were primarily bronze. While some sources might mention other compositions for different denominations or later periods, the 1 Pice from 1950-1955 was bronze.
* Weight: Approximately 2.92 grams (though variations exist, especially for the 1950 coins which were noted to be slightly heavier, around 3.88 grams).
* Diameter: Around 21 mm.
* Shape: Round.
* Edge: Plain.
* Obverse Design: Features the Ashoka Lion Capital, the national emblem of India, with "GOVERNMENT OF INDIA" inscribed.
* Reverse Design: Displays a prancing horse facing left, along with the denomination "1 Pice" written in both English and Hindi (एक पैसा), and the year of minting.
* Mint Marks: These coins were minted in various Indian mints, including Mumbai (Bombay), Kolkata (Calcutta), and Hyderabad. Mint marks (e.g., a diamond for Bombay, no mark for Calcutta) can often be found below the date.
* Historical Context: This coin belongs to the "Anna Series" of coinage, which preceded India's adoption of the decimal system in 1957. Under the old system, 1 Rupee was divided into 16 Annas, and each Anna into 4 Pice. The demonetization of these pre-decimal coins occurred on April 1, 1957, when the "Naya Paisa" system was introduced.
Why is it significant?
The 1 Pice coin from 1950-1955 is more than just a piece of metal; it's a tangible artifact of India's early years as an independent nation. It represents the country's first steps in establishing its own currency identity and marks a pivotal moment in Indian numismatic history, just before the shift to the decimal system.
Do you have any of these historic 1 Pice coins in your collection? Share your finds and stories in the comments below!
#IndianCoins #Numismatics #HistoryOfIndia #1Pice #RepublicIndiaCo
ins #CoinCollecting
