The Indian 50 paisa coin, popularly called Athanni, is a denomination of the Indian rupee, equal to half a rupee, that is very rarely found in everyday circulation. Currently it is the lowest circulating denomination of the Indian rupee. The symbol for paisa is (). On 30 June 2011, when the 25 paisa and all other lower denomination coins were officially demonetised, the 50 paise coin became the lowest circulating denomination of the Indian rupee.[1]

A 50 paise coin from 1982.
Fifty paise
India
Value50 (12 )
Mass2.9 g
Diameter19 mm (0.75 in)
Thickness1.5 mm (0.06 in)
EdgeReeded
CompositionNickel (1957-1971)
Cupronickel (1972-1990)
Stainless steel (1988-2016)
Years of minting1957 (1957)–2016
Mint marksMumbai = ⧫
Mumbai Proof issues = B
Hyderabad = *
Noida = °
Kolkata = No mint-mark
CirculationIn circulation
Catalog numberKM#398, KM#374 and KM#70 to KM#55
Obverse
DesignState Emblem of India with country name
Reverse
DesignFace value and year flanked by National flower of India

History

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Prior to 1957, the Indian rupee was not decimalised. From 1835 to 1957, the rupee was divided into 16 annas. Each anna was further divided into four Indian paises (pice) and each paise into three Indian pies till 1947 when the pice was demonetised. In 1955, the Parliament of India amended the "Indian Coinage Act" to adopt the decimal system for coinage. Paisa coins were introduced in 1957, but from 1957 to 1964 the coin was called "Naya Paisa" (English: New Paisa). On 1 June 1964, the term "Naya" was dropped and the denomination was simply called "One paisa". Paisa coins were issued as a part of "The Decimal Series".[2][3][4] In 2019, new coins were adopted, but the 50 paise coins were not updated as they have ceased to be in common circulation.[citation needed]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Reserve Bank of India". www.rbi.org.in. Retrieved 2021-04-29.
  2. ^ "Republic India Coinage". Reserve Bank of India. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
  3. ^ "50 paise coins". India Numismatics. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
  4. ^ "History of Indian coins". India Numismatics. Retrieved 30 November 2016.