Know everything about Commemorative Coin that PM Modi released on Mahatama Gandhi's 150 birth anniversary

PM Narendra Modi released the commemorative coins of Rs 150 denomination to celebrate Mahatma Gandhiji’s 150^th birthday. The event took place in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on October 2, 2019 when the Prime Minister reached the Sabarmati Riverfront to participate in the proceedings of the Swacch Bharat Divas program.

The event at Ahmedabad

Dropping in at the Sabarmati Ashram, the holy seat from where the father of the nation launched most of his freedom fight related activities, Narendra Modi wrote in the visitor’s book, "I'm satisfied that on the occasion of #GandhiAt150, we're witnessing the fulfillment of his dream of 'Swachh Bharat'. I feel lucky that on this occasion when India has successfully stopped open defecation." During the occasion, Narendra Modi addressed 10,000 sarpanchs. He declared India ‘open defecation free’. The event also saw announcements about the war against plastic and the success of the Swach Bharat Mission.



What are commemorative coins?

Commemorative coins are released to mark some special events. These coins sport a distinct design to talk about the occasion on which they are issued. Most of the commemorative coins are treated as collectibles and they are in fact a bountiful treasure for the coin collectors. Some countries issue commemorative coins for regular circulation too.

Some other commemorative coins by the Modi government

The release of the new commemorative coin falls in line with two other commemorative coins released under the BJP government. In January 2019, Modi released a commemorative coin of Rs 350 denomination marking the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, one of the most prominent leaders of the Sikh community. In yet another important event that took place last year, PM Modi launched a commemorative coin of Rs 100 in honor of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former prime minister.

Honoring the Mahatma

A few days before the 150^th birth anniversary of the Mahatma, the UN (United Nations) released a postal stamp to mark the event. The Indian government conveyed its respect to Gandhiji by releasing the commemorative stamps and coins in Ahmedabad. In a joint venture, India Embassy and LaPoste of France launched a postage stamp with the image of Mahatma Gandhi marking the 150^th birthday of India’s legendary leader.



Types of commemorative coins

There are three different kinds of commemorative coins. The regular issue coins are meant for day to day commercial use and they are issued in the same design for many years. Circulating commemorative coins are also meant for day to day commerce use, but their design will be used only for a limited time. Usually the purpose of these coins is to draw the attention of the world to a particular person or event. Non-circulating legal tender (NCLT) are commemorative coins that are still legal tender and can be used to buy goods and services. However, they are not intended for this regular use. They are actually viewed as souvenirs. Often these coins are made in silver or gold.

Commemorative coins are not legal tenders unless notified

As per the general understanding, the lower denomination coins are used in general circulation. The higher denomination coins are meant for collection purposes and they usually contain some silver in them. Usually they are found with some coin dealers with marked up prices. As per the law, commemorative coins are not legal tenders unless notified.

India’s first commemorative coin

The first commemorative coin in India was issued in 1964 with the image of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India to commemorate his birth anniversary.

See Also: Life Changing Quotes by Mahatama Gandhi