Ganesha on Indonesian currency note

This currency note of Rupiah 20000 of Indonesia depicts a picture of Ganesha on it. Indonesia is mainly an Islamic country with majority of muslim population. Then also you must wonder why a picture of Indian deity on it? The answer of this question lies in the history. Few years back Java was a part of Indonesia and once it was a center of powerful hindu kingdoms from 5th century to 15th century A.D. To honour the past and the hindu citizens of the country this note was issued. It is a must have note for every indian collector. Its not even costly and is easily available.

Commemorative coin of State Bank of India

Indian Government has issued a commemorative on 200th anniversary of State Bank of India. It is the oldest and the largest bank of India with more than 10,000 branches all over. In British period there were 3 main banks in India - Bank of Bombay, Bank of Bengal and Bank of Madras. In 1806 all these three banks were merged to become one large bank in order to channelise the monetary system properly. This new bank was named "Imperial Bank of India" which in later years was changed to "State Bank of India".

The commemorative coin set of two coins consisting of a 100 rupee and 5 rupee coin is being minted and the 5 rupee coins will come in circulation by the last quarter of this year. A large number of indian population have years old relationship with this bank. Hope they would like to have this coin in their collection.

New designs for Great Britain coins

New designs for the regular coins of Great Britain have been recently approved. The coins with these designs will be minted for the next 40 years. One pound coin will bear the complete shield of Royal coat of arms, and this design will be dividedly seen on other coins of small denomination of

1 penny, 2 pence, 5 pence, 10 pence, 20 pence and 50 pence. And the other side will have the Queen's head. They are very attractive designs. The new coins are being minted and will come into circulation later this year. It is the first change to the country's coinage since decimalisation was first introduced in April 1968. The old coins will remain legal tender alongside the new versions but only the minting would be discontinued.

Kings on Coins - King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Thailand

King Adulyadej Bhumibol also known as Rama IX is one of the most loved king of Thailand. He became king in 1946 at the age of 18 after his elder brother King Ananda Mahidol's death. His name Bhumibol Adulyadej means "Strenght of land & Incomparable power". In Thailand the king is seen as the incarnation of God Vishnu. And so their currency notes and some coins have a Garuda (Eagle Man) on it, which is considered as vehicle of God Vishnu in Hindu mythology.

Over his period of reign a large variety of coins have been minted and with attractive designs. Many commemorative coins also have been issued on several occasions. The first coin above is a rare commemorative 5 baht coin with a front facing portrait of a king. And the second coin is a 5 baht coin with side facing portrait of king and Garuda on the backside.

Exclusive - Indian Air Force Commemorative Coin

Indian Government is issuing a new 2 rupee coin in ferrous stainless steel to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of Indian Air Force (1932-2007). This is an exclusive picture of that coin. These coins have not been minted yet and neither order booking by the mints have started. On obverse there would be an Emblem and numeral 2 and on reverse India's first fighter aircraft - Wapiti on the lower side and the latest multi role combat aircraft - SU30 MK I above that.

Controversial "Cross" on coins of India

Reserve Bank of India introduced these two coins in 2005. An Emblem and a numeral 2 on obverse and on reverse a single cross for 1 rupee and double cross for 2 rupees coin with 4 dots in every split portion. RBI claimed that this design have been chosen as a sign of "Unity in Diversity". However there is no history in India of a cross of this nature or any other cross being used to represent this theme. Outraged Indian commentators and Hindu nationalists have charged that the symbol is a Christian cross, pointing out its strong resemblance (equal-armed cross and dots) to the symbol on the denarii coins issued by Roman King Louis the Pious.

Emperor Louis I the pious was the king of Franks and Holy Roman Empire from Carolingian dynasty between 814 A.D. to 840 A.D.

Obverse - HLVDOVVICVS IMP, cross; pellet in eachquarter

Reverse - XPISTIANA RELIGIO, temple; cross within

However 1 rupee coin was minted in very less quantity and only in 2005, whereas 2 rupees coin was minted from 2005 to 2007 and then minting was discontinued. These two coin designs have been replaced by "Bharatnatyam Mudra" coins.