Learn how coins are made, why their size is shrinking, and other fascinating facts
Many people enjoy collecting coins. They keep old and new coins as treasures and take great interest in the stories behind them. But have you ever wondered where these coins are actually made? Or why the size of coins is shrinking over time? Let’s answer all these questions in this simple and informative article.
Where Are Coins Made in India?
According to the official website of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), coins in India are minted at four major locations:
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Mumbai (Maharashtra)
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Alipore, Kolkata (West Bengal)
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Hyderabad (Telangana)
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Noida (Uttar Pradesh)
These facilities are authorized by the Government of India, and coin production takes place here on a large scale. Each coin has a specific symbol printed on it that identifies where it was minted.
How to Identify Where a Coin Was Minted
Each mint has a unique symbol marked on the coins it produces:
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Hyderabad: A star
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Noida: A solid dot
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Mumbai: A diamond shape
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Kolkata: No symbol at all
You can observe this symbol below the year printed on the coin. It helps identify the minting location easily.
Under Which Law Are Coins Minted?
Coins in India are minted under the Coinage Act of 1906. According to this act, the responsibility of coin production and supply lies with the Government of India. However, this work is carried out through the RBI. Every year, the RBI estimates the coin demand and accordingly, the government creates a production schedule.
Why Are Coins Getting Smaller in Size?
This is a very interesting question, and the answer lies in basic economics. Each coin has two types of values:
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Face Value: The value written on the coin (like ₹1, ₹2, ₹5).
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Metallic Value: The cost of the metal used to produce the coin.
For example, if a ₹1 coin is melted down and the metal is sold for ₹2, then the coin’s metallic value is higher than its face value. In such a case, people may be tempted to melt coins and sell the metal for profit.
Why Should Metallic Value Be Lower Than Face Value?
If a coin’s metallic value exceeds its face value, it becomes profitable for people to melt and sell it. This can lead to the disappearance of coins from circulation, causing a shortage in the market and hurting the economy. That’s why the government ensures that the cost of the metal used is always lower than the coin’s printed value.
Which Metals Are Used in Coin Making?
The government uses different metals for coins depending on their market prices. Currently, ferritic stainless steel (comprising 17% chromium and 83% iron) is widely used. It is inexpensive, durable, and easy to mint.
Impact of Inflation on Coin Size
As inflation increases, metal prices rise too. To keep costs low, the government reduces the size and weight of coins over time. This makes coin production more economical and also makes the coins easier to carry and handle.
Do Smaller Coins Have Less Value?
Not at all. A coin’s value is based on its face value, not its size. Whether the coin is big or small, if it says ₹5, then its value is ₹5. The size has no impact on its purchasing power.
What Role Does RBI Play?
The RBI manages the country’s monetary system. Its responsibilities include:
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Printing currency notes (except ₹1 notes)
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Regulating the flow of money in the economy
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Controlling inflation through monetary policy
The ₹1 note is printed by the Ministry of Finance and bears the signature of the Finance Secretary. However, even these notes and coins are circulated via the RBI.
How Are Coins Supplied to the Public?
The Government of India mints the coins, and their distribution is handled by the RBI. Based on demand, the RBI sets targets, and coins are distributed to banks, post offices, and other institutions so they can reach the general public.
Do Digital Payments Threaten the Future of Coins?
Even though digital payments are on the rise, coins still have a strong presence, especially in small transactions and rural areas. The government and RBI have made it clear that coin production will continue. However, over time, the materials and sizes may change to suit economic conditions.
Conclusion: Small Coins, Big Decisions Behind Them
The shrinking size of coins isn’t just about saving costs — it’s a well-thought-out strategy to protect the economy. Everything about a coin — from its design and metal to its size — is backed by solid reasoning and economic logic.
So, the next time you hold a small coin, remember that it carries not just monetary value, but the result of careful planning and economic understanding.
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