Reserve Bank of India to issue new coins

Three weeks after the 25 paise coins were withdrawn from circulation, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday announced it will introduce new coins in five denominations -- from 50 paise to Rs10.

The coins would be in denomination of one, two, five and Rs10, besides 50 paise.

While the Rs10 coins will be made of copper and nickel, Rs5 will be made of brass with a composition of copper, zinc and nickel.

The lower denomination coins of 50 paise, Re1 and Rs2 will be made of ferritic stainless steel containing iron and chromium.

All these coins would be round with diameter ranging 19-27 mm, and will carry the familiar Lion Capitol of the Ashoka Pillar with 'India' in English and Hindi on one side and the denomination value on the other side, the RBI statement said.

All existing coins in these denominations will continue to be legal tender.