India 5 Rupees (Cupro-Nickel, Lion Capital type)
Country of Origin: India
Year of Issue: 2003
Denomination: 5 Rupees
Composition: Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel)
Brief Description
A thick, gold-tone (due to oxidation/dirt) cupro-nickel coin featuring the Lion Capital of Ashoka and floral patterns.
Historical Significance
This ‘chunky’ 5 Rupee coin was a staple of Indian currency from 1992 to 2004. It represents the post-liberalization era of the Indian economy. Due to their high nickel content, many were illegally melted down for razor blades, leading the government to transition to thinner steel coins.
Estimated Value
$0.10 - $0.50 circulated; $2.00 - $5.00 in Uncirculated condition.
Care Instructions
Do not clean or polish. Store in a PVC-free coin flip or holder. This coin shows significant oxidation/surface dirt; chemical cleaning will damage the original surface and reduce collector interest.
Mint Mark
Diamond (Mumbai Mint) or None (Kolkata Mint) - based on the image, the mark below the date is slightly obscured but most likely a diamond for Mumbai.
Mintage & Rarity
Common. Hundreds of millions were minted across four Indian mints and some foreign mints.
Weight & Diameter
9.0 grams; 23 mm (thickness approx. 3 mm)
Edge
Security Edge (a groove with beads inside)
Apparent Grade
Fine to Very Fine. There is significant even wear on the high points of the floral design and the lions, along with considerable surface grime/discoloration.
Obverse (Front)
The Lion Capital of Ashoka with the motto 'Satyameva Jayate' (Truth Alone Triumphs) inscribed below. To the left is 'BHARAT' in Hindi and to the right is 'INDIA' in English.
Reverse (Back)
The large numeral '5' in the center with 'RUPEES' in English and 'RUPAYE' in Hindi. The year '2003' is at the bottom, flanked by two stylized floral stalks.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Most influenced by the presence of a 'star' mint mark (Hyderabad) which is more sought after, or the 'Moscow' mint marks (an 'M' in an oval). Common years like 2003 in this grade carry only face value locally.
Similar Coins
Often confused with the newer stainless steel 5 Rupee coins (which are lighter/thinner) or the brass 5 Rupee coins (which are gold-colored by design).
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check the weight (9g) and the security edge. Because of high melt value in the mid-2000s, few counterfeits for circulation exist, though some base-metal casts were made.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Check for 'M' (Moscow) or 'MM' (Llantrisant, UK) mint marks which occur in certain years of this series.
Created At: 2026-04-28T13:16:54.011935