20 paise

20 paise

20 paise 1869-1948

I would take the second part to be the head in this 20 paisa coin, which shows the bespectacled figure of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who is known throughout the world for his non-violent approach in the frredom struggle of India. He was born in 1869 and was assassinated in 1948 by Nathuram Godse, one year after India got its independence.

India became independent on 15 August 1947 and was left with a legacy of non-decimal coinage. One rupee was divided into 16 annas or 64 pice, with each anna therefore equal to 4 pice. In 1957, India shifted to the decimal system, but for a short period both decimal and non-decimal coins were in circulation. To distinguish between the two pice, the coins minted between 1957 and 1964 have the legend "Naya Paisa" ("new" paisa). The denominations in circulation were 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50 (naya)paise and one rupee which remained as the same pre-decimal value. Therefore pre-decimal coins of one, half and quarter rupees could remain in circulation after decimalisation. 

Chronologically, the main considerations influencing the coinage policy of Republic of India over time have been: The incorporation of symbols of sovereignty and indigenous motifs on independence; Coinage Reforms with the introduction of the metric system; The need felt from time to time to obviate the possibility of the metallic value of coins rising beyond the face value; The cost-benefit of coinisation of currency notes. 

The Ashok-Stambha (Ashoka's Pillar) is a motif on all Republic of India coins. The symbol is a representation of peace and non-violence.

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20 paise 1971

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20 paise 1985

20 paise 1985 1

20 paise 1990

20 paise 1994

This 20 paisa coin was forged in Aluminium in 1983. It shows the four headed lion symbol at the obverse, and "satyamev jayate" is written in Hindi, which means truth alone triumphs. This was a question to Jamal Malik in the movie Slumdog Millionaire. The movie won as many as eight oscars today, that is, the day when I posted this 20 paisa post. India/Bharat is also written. The reverse shows the denomination and the year.