Indian Independence commemorative coins and tokens

15th August, 1947 was the day when India got its independence from britishers, after decades of freedom struggle.

But it was only in 1950 after republic status, India started minting it’s own coins and currency notes. Hence no coins were issued by Indian Government as legal tender money till then. But few beautiful token coins were issued which were dated 15th August 1947.

The first coin above is a silver coin with the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi with the title ‘Rashtra Pita’ in hindi. It means ‘Father of the Nation’. And on the obverse side is the map of India with ‘Azad Hind’ and date of independence written on it. The special feature of this map is that the neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma and Sri Lanka are also shown as a part of India. The other two copper-nickel coins have flag of India with ‘Jai Hind’ and independence date written on it. The difference is only in the shape of both the coins. But not much is known about where, when and by whom these coins were minted. Most probably these coins would have been minted by Bombay mint.



On 25th Anniversary of Independence in 1972, Indian government issued a 10 rupee and 50 paise coin shown shown above. 10 rupee coin had a 50% silver content and a 50 paise coin was a copper-nickel coin.

And, on 50th Anniversary of Independence in 1997, Indian government issued a 50 rupee coin with 50% silver content and 50 paise coin of steel. On both the occasions only 50 paise coin was introduced in the circulation. But, disappointingly in 1997 these coins didn’t became popular, as 50 paise coins were not much in use. Most of the Indians don’t even know whether any coin was even issued in golden jubilee year of independence. On the other hand a small country like Sri Lanka issued for circulation a bi-metallic 10 rupee coin on its 50th Anniversary of Independence in 1998.

A special commemorative coin from Portugal

Portugal issued this beautiful coin in 1898. It was issued to commemorate the 4th centenary (400 years) of Discovery of New Sea Route to India. It was a very big and special event for not only Portugal and India but also for the whole world.

In 1453, the turks conquered the Constantinople, which was the main route of trade between asian and european countries. This route of trade with Asia was then closed by them. So, the need arose for Europeans to discover the new sea-routes to the East. After many severe efforts by sailors of different countries, Vasco-da-Gama of Portugal discovered this route in 1498. He reached the port of Calicut on the eastern coast of India.

To commemorate the 400th anniversary in 1898, coins were issued. These silver coins were issued in four denominations 1000 Ries, 500Ries, 200 Ries and 100 Ries. On obverse there is a double portrait of King Carlos I with Queen Amelia. And a cross on reverse with a dot in each pellet of cross, with event, year and denomination around it.