½ Anna Republic of India 1955 AD Copper-Nickel Bombay Mint Coin

Republic of India, Years of Minting: 1950–1955 CE, Denomination: ½ Anna (1⁄32 Rupee), Metal: Copper-Nickel, Weight: 2.88 grams, Size: 19.05 × 19.05 mm, Mints: Bombay (Mumbai), Reference: KM# 2, About Extremely Fine, Scarce.

Obverse: Ashoka Lion Capital with “GOVERNMENT OF INDIA” around.

Reverse: Zebu (Indian bull) facing left with date below; “HALF ANNA आधा आना” around.

Issued during the early years of the Republic of India, the Half Anna copper-nickel coin was among the first coinage series introduced after independence. Struck between 1950 and 1955, it continued the pre-decimal monetary system inherited from British India, where sixteen Annas were equal to one Rupee. The distinctive square shape with rounded corners made the coin easily recognizable in circulation and reflected the innovative approach adopted by independent India in designing its new coinage. The reverse features the Indian zebu bull, symbolizing the country’s agricultural heritage and rural economy. Produced at both the Calcutta (Kolkata) and Bombay (Mumbai) Mints, these coins circulated widely throughout the nation during a period marked by economic reconstruction and nation-building. Following the introduction of the decimal system in 1957, the Anna denominations were gradually phased out. Today, the Republic of India Half Anna remains a popular collectible and an important reminder of the nation’s earliest post-independence currency system.

Coinage Note: Struck at the Calcutta (Kolkata) and Bombay (Mumbai) Mints, Bombay Mint pieces bear the  mint mark below the date, while Calcutta Mint coins have no mint mark. The Half Anna was one of the last Anna-denominated coins issued before India’s decimalization reform of 1957.