2017-07-31 Mon

To mark the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa and the Komagata Maru incident, the Indian government Mint has released special commemorative coins. The coins have been made on the theme of Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa and will be available in denominations of Rs 100 and Rs 10.

The Komagata Maru incident took place on 23rd May 1914, when 376 passengers were denied entry into Canada after an immigration dispute. Some of the passengers were killed in protests on their return to India. The government mint has put these commemorative coins on sale from 26th July to 26th September. Collectors can buy it online as well as offline. Centenary of Komagata Maru Incident themed coins are available in Rs 100 and Rs 5 denominations.

The proof coins cost Rs 3,225 each while uncirculated coins (UNC) carry a tag of Rs 2,644 each which are all inclusive of the goods and services tax (GST), the India Government Mint, Mumbai said in an advertisement. The coins will be delivered through India Post within six months from the date of closure of booking.

The coin showcases two images of the Father of the Nation, first one depicts a man in a western outfit and the second showcases an old man, wearing round-shaped spectacles. The centenary completion year 2015 is engraved at the opposite corner to that of 1915. The proof coin embossed letter M -- meaning printed at Mumbai.

The coin paying tribute to Komagata Maru incident depicts a big shape named Komagata Maru, sailing in the sea, with 1914-2014 printed at the periphery of the coin.

Such coins are designed to commemorate historical events and celebrate achievements of public or private organizations. For those who have a passion for collecting these high quality coins, it is definitely a treat for them.

The Mumbai mint, a unit of Security Printing & Minting Corporation of India Ltd (SPMCIL), has been manufacturing these commemorative coins apart from circulation coins. The first commemorative coin was issued in 1964 in the memory of India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. In 2016, the mint had come up with only one commemorative coin themed on Centenary of Banaras Hindu University. But the year 2015 proved to be quite fruitful for collectors as three commemorative coins were released. The first coin was released on International Yoga Day, the second on the 125th birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar and the third was for the Golden Jubilee of Indo Pak War 1965.

In 2014, coins were issued to commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru. While in 1972, coins were issued to mark the 25th year of India’s independence.

Also, 2010 was a dedication to 1000 Years of Brihadeeswarar Temple and birth centenary of C. Subramaniamas well as the platinum jubilee of Reserve Bank of India.