Tezbid Coins Blog

  The anna, together with the rupee and the paisa, formed the basis of the Indian currency system (1 Rupee = 16 anna = 64 paisa) till 1957. Higher denomination coins such as the rupee, half rupee were minted in silver while lower value coins such as one-quarter anna (1 paisa), 1/12 anna (one pie) or ½ pice were minted in copper and bronze. The half anna (1/32 rupee or 2 paisa) was the highest of these lower value copper/bronze coins. Half Anna, 1835, East India Company The first pan-India half anna coin was introduced in 1835 by the East India Company – this was a large coin about 30 mm in diameter and 12.95 grams in weight – slightly larger than the silver rupee and the largest coin in mainstream circulation. The obverse carried the coat of arms of the East India Company – two lions holding a shield with St. George’s Cross in between, with the date below and a Latin inscription underneath. These coins were minted in Bombay and Calcutta mints. Half Anna, 1862, British India Afte...

  Coin Collecting: 5 Tips for Beginners -           Team Tezbid Most people start collecting coins when they find an interesting coin in their pocket change or have some coins left over from an overseas trip. In some cases, the numismatic journey starts with a few old copper coins found with a grandparent. A few lucky ones get to inherit collections – either from an older sibling/cousin or a relative. Regardless of where you start, as in any journey, the direction is more important than speed. So you want to collect coins. What are the dos and don’ts? Collect what interests you You will be spending a lot of time and some money on your hobby. You will not be able to sustain it unless you are interested in what you do. It won’t be worth your time or energy otherwise. Your starting collection doesn’t have to be very fancy. A good place to start (in India) is by collecting the commemorative 5 & 10 rupee coins – dozens of which ar...