5 Paise (Aluminium) Republic of India Years of Minting 1972–1984 AD

Republic of India, Years of Minting: 1972–1984 CE, Denomination: 5 Paise, Metal: Aluminium, Weight: 1.50 grams, Diameter: 22 mm, Reference: KM# 18, About Very Fine.

Obverse: Ashoka Lion Capital centered, with the country name in Devanagari “भारत” and Latin “INDIA” on either side.

Reverse: Large denomination numeral “5” at the center with “PAISE” below and the date beneath, struck in a simple and bold layout designed for easy recognition in circulation.

Issued during a period of economic modernization and cost-conscious coin production, the aluminium 5 Paise coin of 1972–1984 reflects the changing nature of India’s decimal coinage system. As inflation gradually reduced the purchasing power of smaller denominations, the Government of India increasingly adopted lightweight aluminium for low-value coins to lower production expenses while maintaining large-scale circulation. This particular type is notable for its distinctive square shape with rounded corners, a design feature that made it instantly recognizable by touch and sight in everyday transactions. Unlike earlier issues, this variety removed the Devanagari denomination legend above the numeral, creating a cleaner and more simplified reverse design. Widely used across urban markets and rural trade alike, the coin became a familiar part of daily commerce throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. As inflation continued to rise, low-denomination coins gradually lost practical monetary value and disappeared from circulation. Today, the 5 Paise aluminium issue remains a popular collectible, admired for its unusual shape and its representation of India’s experimental and transitional coinage era.