India 5 Rupees (Cupro-Nickel, Lion Capital type)

India · 2003

A thick, gold-tone (due to oxidation/dirt) cupro-nickel coin featuring the Lion Capital of Ashoka and floral patterns.

Country: India
Year: 2003
Denomination: 5 Rupees
Metal: Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified April 28, 2026More india coins →

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Overview

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.

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.

Estimated value

$0.10 - $0.50 circulated; $2.00 - $5.00 in Uncirculated condition.

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.

Grade assessment

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.

Mintage & rarity

Common. Hundreds of millions were minted across four Indian mints and some foreign mints.

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.

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).

Care & preservation

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.