Discover the rare and iconic 10 Paise FAO coin from 1974, a symbol of India’s commitment to planned families and food security. Learn about its design, value, mintmarks, and why it’s a must-have for coin collectors.
Introduction
- Overview of FAO Coins
- Significance of the 10 Paise Coin in the FAO Series
Historical Context
- What is FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)?
- Importance of Planned Families and Food Security in the 1970s
Coin Specifications
- Composition, Weight, Diameter, and Shape
- Mintmarks and Their Importance
Design and Symbolism
- Obverse Design: Asoka Lion Capital and Denomination
- Reverse Design: Family Symbol and Grain Sprigs
- Interpretation of the Triangular Design
Mintmarks and Variations
- Explanation of Different Mintmarks
- Mumbai Mint
- Hyderabad Mint
- Calcutta Mint
Coin Mintage and Rarity
- Total Mintage Across Different Mints
- Rarity Based on Mintmarks
Value of the 10 Paise FAO Coin
- Factors Affecting Value (Condition, Rarity, Mintmark)
- Grading System for Coins (G, VG, F, VF, XF, AU, UNC)
- Current Market Value in India
Obverse Details
- Asoka Lion Capital: History and Significance
- Placement of Scripts in Devanagari and Latin
Reverse Details
- Representation of the Family and Food Symbolism
- How the Design Promotes Family Planning and Food for All
Mintage by Mint Location
- Mintage Details for Calcutta, Mumbai, and Hyderabad
- How to Identify Coins from Each Mint
The Social Message Behind the Coin
- Planned Families: Its Importance in 1974 India
- FAO’s Role in Promoting Global Food Security
Collecting the 10 Paise FAO Coin
- Tips for Coin Collectors
- Where to Find and Purchase the Coin
Care and Preservation of Aluminium Coins
- Best Practices for Cleaning and Storing Aluminium Coins
- Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Coin Preservation
Investment Potential
- Is the 10 Paise FAO Coin a Good Investment?
- Long-term Value Predictions
Conclusion
- The Legacy of the 10 Paise FAO Coin
- Why It’s a Must-Have for Coin Collectors
FAQs
Introduction
The 10 Paise FAO coin from 1974 is more than just a piece of currency—it’s a symbolic reminder of India’s commitment to family planning and food security. This coin, which is part of the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) series, played a significant role in raising awareness about planned families and promoting the idea of food security for all. Let’s dive deeper into the historical significance, design, and collectible value of this coin.
Historical Context
The 1970s were a crucial decade for India, marked by efforts to curb population growth and ensure adequate food production for all citizens. The Food and Agriculture Organization, a UN body, was instrumental in promoting food security globally, and the 10 Paise FAO coin from 1974 fits into this larger international context. This coin served as a part of India’s national movement toward family planning and highlighted the importance of food sufficiency.
Coin Specifications
The 10 Paise FAO coin from 1974 has some unique characteristics:
- Composition: Aluminium
- Weight: 2.3 grams
- Diameter: 26 mm
- Thickness: 2.15 mm
- Shape: Scalloped with 12 notches, giving it a distinctive look compared to other Indian coins.
The coin’s design and physical features make it easily recognizable, but the mintmarks are equally important for coin collectors.
Design and Symbolism
The design of this commemorative coin is filled with symbolism, reflecting India’s goals for the future at that time.
Obverse Design
The obverse features the Asoka Lion Capital, which is a widely recognized symbol of India’s sovereignty. Below the Lion Capital is the denomination—10 Paise—written in both Devanagari and Latin scripts. This inclusion of both scripts emphasizes the coin’s national relevance.
Reverse Design
On the reverse, you will see a depiction of a family within a triangle, flanked by grain sprigs. This design encapsulates the concept of “Planned Families, Food for All.” The triangle represents stability and balance, while the grain symbolizes food security.
Mintmarks and Variations
The 10 Paise FAO coin was minted in three different locations across India, each identified by a unique mintmark:
- Mumbai Mint: Marked with a small dot or diamond (♦)
- Hyderabad Mint: Represented by a five-pointed star (*)
- Calcutta Mint: No mintmark is present on coins from this mint.
There is also a special proof issue from the Mumbai Mint, marked with the letter “B.”
Coin Mintage and Rarity
The mintage numbers for this coin vary by mint, with the majority coming from Mumbai and Calcutta. Here’s a breakdown of the mintage and its frequency in circulation:
- Calcutta Mint: 168,500,000 coins produced, frequency 51%
- Mumbai Mint: 146,070,000 coins produced, frequency 50%
- Hyderabad Mint: 10,010,000 coins produced, frequency 10%
- Mumbai Proof Issue: Extremely rare with very few coins minted, making it a collector’s item.
Value of the 10 Paise FAO Coin
The value of a 10 Paise FAO coin depends largely on its condition and mintmark. Below is an estimate of the current value based on the coin’s grade:
- Good (G): ₹3.70 – ₹12
- Very Good (VG): ₹22 – ₹25
- Fine (F): ₹32 – ₹38
- Very Fine (VF): ₹46 – ₹63
- Extra Fine (XF): ₹74 – ₹88
- Almost Uncirculated (AU): ₹82 – ₹130
- Uncirculated (UNC): ₹130 – ₹970 (for proof issue)
Obverse Details
The Asoka Lion Capital is a national emblem, representing the values of sovereignty and peace. The scripts, in both Devanagari and Latin, further assert the coin’s national identity, making it accessible to speakers of different languages within India.
Reverse Details
The triangle encasing the family on the reverse represents strength and unity. The grain sprigs around the triangle symbolize agriculture, which was vital for the nation’s goal of “Food for All.” This was a time when India was still recovering from famines and food shortages, making this design particularly meaningful.
Mintage by Mint Location
If you’re a coin collector, understanding the mintmarks is essential. Here’s a quick guide to identifying your coin’s origin:
- No mintmark: Calcutta Mint
- Small diamond or dot (♦): Mumbai Mint
- Five-pointed star (*): Hyderabad Mint
The Social Message Behind the Coin
In 1974, India was grappling with issues of overpopulation and food scarcity. The slogan “Planned Families, Food for All” was not just a political statement but a pressing social need. The 10 Paise FAO coin embodied this message, making it more than just a currency but a call to action.
Collecting the 10 Paise FAO Coin
For numismatists, this coin is a valuable addition. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting, look for coins in good condition with clear mintmarks. Proof issues, particularly from the Mumbai Mint, are rare and valuable.
Care and Preservation of Aluminium Coins
Aluminium coins are prone to oxidation, so proper care is essential. Keep your coins in a dry place, preferably in coin holders to avoid direct contact with air. Avoid using harsh chemicals to clean them as it can damage the surface.
Investment Potential
While not all coins increase in value over time, the 10 Paise FAO coin has potential due to its historical significance. Rare mintmarks and proof issues make it a good investment, particularly for collectors looking for unique pieces of Indian numismatic history.
Conclusion
The 10 Paise FAO – Planned Families, Food for All 1974 coin is a fascinating piece of history. With its powerful message and symbolic design, it serves as a reminder of India’s efforts toward family planning and food security. For collectors, it’s a valuable piece not just for its aesthetic but for the social and historical narratives it holds.
FAQs
- What does the 10 Paise FAO coin represent?
It symbolizes India’s efforts towards family planning and food security, promoted by the FAO in 1974. - How can I determine the mintmark on my 10 Paise FAO coin?
Look for a small dot, star, or absence of any mark under the date on the coin’s reverse side to identify its mint. - Why is the 10 Paise FAO coin significant for Indian numismatics?
This coin commemorates a major social campaign in India, making it both historically and culturally significant. - What is the best way to store my 10 Paise FAO coin?
Store it in a dry, cool place, ideally in a protective coin holder to prevent oxidation. - Can I still find the 10 Paise FAO coin in circulation today?
No, this coin is no longer in circulation but can be found in collectors’ markets or online auctions.
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