India Government Mint, Kolkata: Difference between revisions

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{{EngvarB|date=August 2020}}
{{Short description|Indian mint established in 1757}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2026}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2026}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| image = Calcutta mint.jpg
| image = Calcutta mint.jpg
| image_size = 270px
| logo =  
| logo =  
| name = India Government Mint, Kolkata
| name = India Government Mint, Kolkata
Line 9: Line 12:
| defunct =  
| defunct =  
| founder =  
| founder =  
| foundation = 1757
| foundation = {{start date and age|1757}}<ref>{{cite web|first=Sancharii|last=Bhattacharyya|url=https://www.jiyobangla.com/bn/news/history-of-mint|title=History of Mint (টাকার আঁতুরঘরের ইতিহাস)|website=jiyobangla.com|date=16 December 2019|access-date=1 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101145618/https://www.jiyobangla.com/bn/news/history-of-mint|archive-date=1 January 2022|language=bn}}</ref>
| location = [[Kolkata]], West Bengal, India
| location = [[Kolkata]], [[West Bengal]], [[India]]
| industry = [[Mint (coin)|Mint]]
| industry = [[Mint (coin)|Mint]]
| key_people = Rajat Paul, {{small|Chief General Manager}}
| key_people = Gorakhnath Yadav<br />{{small|(General Manager & HOD)}}
| products = Currency, Medallions
| products = Currency, Medallions
| website = {{website|http://igmkolkata.spmcil.com/}}
| website = {{website|http://igmkolkata.spmcil.com/}}
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| header = [[Indian rupee]] minted at Calcutta mint (1905).
| header = [[Indian rupee]] minted at Calcutta mint (1905).
| image = File:1 Indian rupee (1905).jpg
| image = File:1 Indian rupee (1905).jpg
| caption_left  = '''Obverse''': Profile of [[Edward VII]] surrounded by his name.
| caption_left  = '''Obverse''': Bust of [[Edward VII]] surrounded by his name.
| caption_right  = '''Reverse''': Face value, country and date. Spray of lotus flowers on each side and a crown above.
| caption_right  = '''Reverse''': Face value, country and date. Spray of lotus flowers on each side and a crown above.
| width = 250
| width = 250
| footer = Made of 91.7% silver. This particular coin was minted at Kolkata mint since letter "B" (in small) is missing from the crown which indicated that the coin was minted in Mumbai and absence of which tells that coin was minted in Kolkata.
| footer = Made of 91.7% silver. This particular coin was minted at Kolkata mint since letter "B" (in small) is missing from the crown which indicated that the coin was minted in Mumbai and absence of which tells that coin was minted in Kolkata.
| position = right
| position = centre
| margin = 0
| margin = 0
}}
}}


The '''India Government Mint, Kolkata''' was first established in 1757,<ref name="IGMint">{{cite web|url=http://www.igmint.org/hist.htm |title=History of the Alipore Mint |access-date=15 September 2008 |publisher=India Govt Mint, Kolkota |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080629011733/http://www.igmint.org/hist.htm |archive-date=29 June 2008 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and was located in a building next to the [[Black Hole of Calcutta|Black Hole]] in the old fort – where the GPO (General Post Office) stands today.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071130/asp/frontpage/story_8611104.asp | location=Calcutta, India | work=The Telegraph | title=From mint to museum | date=30 November 2007}}</ref> It was called the [[Calcutta]] Mint and used to produce coins with the mint name [[Murshidabad]].<ref name="IGMint" />
The '''India Government Mint, Kolkata''' was first established in 1757,<ref name="IGMint">{{cite web|url=http://www.igmint.org/hist.htm |title=History of the Alipore Mint |access-date=15 September 2008 |publisher=India Govt Mint, Kolkota |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080629011733/http://www.igmint.org/hist.htm |archive-date=29 June 2008 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and was located in a building next to the [[Black Hole of Calcutta|Black Hole]] in the old fort – where the GPO (General Post Office) stands today.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071130/asp/frontpage/story_8611104.asp|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120917170945/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1071130/asp/frontpage/story_8611104.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 September 2012|location=Calcutta, India|website=telegraphindia.com|publisher=[[The Telegraph (Calcutta)]]|title=From mint to museum|date=30 November 2007}}</ref> It was called the '''Calcutta Mint''' and used to produce coins with the mint name [[Murshidabad]].<ref name="IGMint" />


==Second mint==
==Second mint==
[[File:Two silver rupee coins from the Bengal Presidency, during the reign of Shah Alam II in Company Raj, minted in Old Calcutta Mint, photographed from a personal collection in West Bengal, India, by Yogabrata Chakraborty on August 19, 2023.jpg|thumb|Two silver rupee coins from the [[Bengal Presidency]], during the reign of [[Shah Alam II]] in Company Raj, minted in old Calcutta Mint.]]
The second Calcutta Mint was established with the modern machinery brought in 1790 from England. It was located at the site of Gillet Ship building Establishment, which had been taken over by the Stamp and Stationary Committee in 1833. The coins issued from this mint continued to bear mint name Murshidabad.
The second Calcutta Mint was established with the modern machinery brought in 1790 from England. It was located at the site of Gillet Ship building Establishment, which had been taken over by the Stamp and Stationary Committee in 1833. The coins issued from this mint continued to bear mint name Murshidabad.


==Third mint==
==Third mint==
[[File:Silver Mint House - 60 Strand Road - Kolkata 2016-10-11 0637.JPG|thumb|The Old Silver Mint house, 60 Strand road, Kolkata. Now it is occupied by the [[CRPF]].]]
[[File:Silver Mint House - 60 Strand Road - Kolkata 2016-10-11 0637.JPG|thumb|The Old Silver Mint house at 60 Strand road, Kolkata, now occupied by the [[Central Reserve Police Force|CRPF]].]]
In March 1824, the foundation of the third Calcutta Mint was laid on Strand Road and was opened for production from 1 August 1829. Until 1835 the coins issued at this mint continued to be in the name of the Murshidabad Mint. The imposing frontage of the building of the third Mint was based on a design of the [[Temple of Athena]] in [[Athens]], Greece, usually known as the [[Parthenon]]. The operative blocks were hidden out of view by the magnificent frontage.
[[File:Reverse of the 1835 One Rupee coin, struck on the name of King William IV of England, minted in Calcutta, photographed from my personal collection, Yogabrata Chakraborty, in West Bengal, India, September 14, 2024.jpg|thumb|Reverse of the 1835 One Rupee coin, struck in the name of King William IV of England, minted in Calcutta.]]
In March 1824, the foundation of the third Calcutta Mint was laid on Strand Road and was opened for production from 1 August 1829. Until 1835, coins issued at this mint continued to be in the name of the Murshidabad Mint. The imposing frontage of the building of the third Mint was based on a design of the [[Temple of Athena]] in [[Athens]], Greece, usually known as the [[Parthenon]]. The operative blocks were hidden out of view by the magnificent frontage.


This mint was named as "Old Silver Mint".<ref name="ET">{{cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ET_Cetera/Kolkatas_Old_Silver_Mint_to_get_renovated/articleshow/3244324.cms |title=Kolkata's landmark Old Silver Mint to be re-incarnated |date=17 July 2008 |access-date=15 September 2008 |publisher=Economic Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080802223916/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ET_Cetera/Kolkatas_Old_Silver_Mint_to_get_renovated/articleshow/3244324.cms |archive-date=2 August 2008 }}</ref> The foundation for this mint was laid March 1824, and production began 1 August 1829.<ref name="ET" />
This mint was named as "Old Silver Mint".<ref name="ET">{{cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ET_Cetera/Kolkatas_Old_Silver_Mint_to_get_renovated/articleshow/3244324.cms |title=Kolkata's landmark Old Silver Mint to be re-incarnated |date=17 July 2008 |access-date=15 September 2008 |publisher=Economic Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080802223916/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ET_Cetera/Kolkatas_Old_Silver_Mint_to_get_renovated/articleshow/3244324.cms |archive-date=2 August 2008 }}</ref> The foundation for this mint was laid March 1824, and production began 1 August 1829.<ref name="ET" />


The coinage production capacity then was varying between {{formatnum:300000}} and {{formatnum:600000}} pieces per day. In 1860 an annexe known as the "Copper Mint" was built to the north of the Silver Mint for the exclusive production of copper coins.{{Citation needed|date=December 2017}}
The coinage production capacity then was varying between {{formatnum:300000}} and {{formatnum:600000}} pieces per day. In 1860, an annexe known as the "Copper Mint" was built to the north of the Silver Mint for the exclusive production of copper coins.{{Citation needed|date=December 2017}}


[[File:Copper pie sikka coins from the Bengal Presidency.jpg|thumb|Copper pie sikka coins from the 1820s, minted at the third Mint.]]
The silver and copper mints both used to function and produce coins of [[bronze]], silver and gold. Both these mints were well equipped with the coining presses supplied by Boulton and Watt of Soho, Birmingham, England.{{Citation needed|date=December 2017}}
The silver and copper mints both used to function and produce coins of [[bronze]], silver and gold. Both these mints were well equipped with the coining presses supplied by Boulton and Watt of Soho, Birmingham, England.{{Citation needed|date=December 2017}}


Apart from minting of coins another important function of the Kolkata Mint was the manufacturing of medals and decorations during the British regime. The production of medals continues to this day.
Apart from minting of coins another important function of the Kolkata Mint was the manufacturing of medals and decorations during the British regime. The production of medals continues to this day.


After the closure of this mint in 1952 the building fell into disrepair, after years of neglect. The [[Kolkata Municipal Corporation]] declared this building a heritage building. A proposal to restore this building and convert its vast spaces into a museum was put up,<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.wbtourism.com/kolkata/heritage_buildings.htm |title= Heritage Buildings in Kolkata|access-date  = 7 November 2006|publisher= [[West Bengal Tourism]]|url-status = dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20061128183102/http://www.wbtourism.com/kolkata/heritage_buildings.htm |archive-date = 28 November 2006|df= dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050719/asp/calcutta/story_5001851.asp|title =  Fresh reuse initiative for Old Mint|date = 19 July 2005|access-date = 7 November 2006|publisher = The Telegraph, Calcutta, India}}</ref> and on 10 July 2008 pre-qualification bids were received from eight developers.<ref name="ET" /> The project will be a public-private partnership between the Security Printing and Minting Corporation, under the finance ministry, owner of the mint, and the winning bidder.<ref name="ET" />
After the closure of this mint in 1952 the building fell into disrepair, after years of neglect. The [[Kolkata Municipal Corporation]] declared this building a heritage building. A proposal to restore this building and convert its vast spaces into a museum was put up,<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.wbtourism.com/kolkata/heritage_buildings.htm |title= Heritage Buildings in Kolkata|access-date  = 7 November 2006|publisher= [[West Bengal Tourism]]|url-status = dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20061128183102/http://www.wbtourism.com/kolkata/heritage_buildings.htm |archive-date = 28 November 2006|df= dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050719/asp/calcutta/story_5001851.asp|archive-url = https://archive.today/20130203224011/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050719/asp/calcutta/story_5001851.asp|url-status = dead|archive-date = 3 February 2013|title =  Fresh reuse initiative for Old Mint|date = 19 July 2005|access-date = 7 November 2006|publisher = The Telegraph, Calcutta, India}}</ref> and on 10 July 2008 pre-qualification bids were received from eight developers.<ref name="ET" /> The project will be a public-private partnership between the Security Printing and Minting Corporation, under the finance ministry, owner of the mint, and the winning bidder.<ref name="ET" />


==Alipore Mint==
==Alipore Mint==
In the late 1930s foundation work for a new mint was completed at [[Taratala]], close to [[Alipore]] and construction was to have completed by early 1942. However [[World War II]] brought all construction to a halt. It was completed in early 1950s.<ref name="Hindu">{{cite news|url =http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/03/20/stories/2002032000030800.htm|archive-url =https://archive.today/20130125055003/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/03/20/stories/2002032000030800.htm|url-status =dead|archive-date =25 January 2013|title =The Alipore Mint: dated March 20, 1952|date =20 March 2002|access-date =15 September 2008|publisher =The Hindu}}</ref>
In the late 1930s, foundation work for a new mint was completed at [[Taratala]], close to [[Alipore]] and construction was to have completed by early 1942. However [[World War II]] brought all construction to a halt. It was completed in early 1950s.<ref name="Hindu">{{cite news|url =http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/03/20/stories/2002032000030800.htm|archive-url =https://archive.today/20130125055003/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/03/20/stories/2002032000030800.htm|url-status =usurped|archive-date =25 January 2013|title =The Alipore Mint: dated March 20, 1952|date =20 March 2002|access-date =15 September 2008|work =[[The Hindu]]}}</ref>


The Alipore Mint was opened by Finance Minister of Government of India Shree [[C. D. Deshmukh]] on 19 March 1952.<ref name="Hindu" /> The full operation for the coinage and preparation of medals, decorations and badges started in Alipore Mint from this date. In addition to production of coins for domestic use also produces coins for other nations.
The Alipore Mint was opened by Finance Minister of Government of India Shree [[C. D. Deshmukh]] on 19 March 1952.<ref name="Hindu" /> The full operation for the coinage and preparation of medals, decorations and badges started in Alipore Mint from this date. In addition to production of coins for domestic use also produces coins for other nations.
Alipore Mint has merged as cooperation and not a totally Government controlling body since 2008. It is a semi government and semi private sector organization at present.
==Alipore Mint Colony==
Alipore Mint Colony is located in few minutes distance from Alipore Mint. It is a closed boundary government protected area. It has a huge land for the residence and relaxation for all the employees of India Government Mint. The employees are facilitated High end Central Government Security, 24hrs water supply, cooperative store and other all such facility. Ample amount of space of ground for sports and play ground is provided for enjoyment and relaxation and entertainment.
Apart from that inside the closed premises, Central Government School is provided for children education till 10+2 standard. Medical facilities are also provide by the [[Central Government Health Scheme]] authority.


==See also==
==See also==
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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://igmkolkata.spmcil.com/ India Government Mint, Kolkata]
*[http://igmkolkata.spmcil.com/ India Government Mint, Kolkata] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022003921/http://igmkolkata.spmcil.com/ |date=22 October 2018 }}
 


{{Portal bar|India|Numismatics}}
{{Indian currency}}
{{Indian currency}}
{{coord|22|30|56.49|N|88|19|11.03|E|display=title}}
{{coord|22|30|56.49|N|88|19|11.03|E|display=title}}

Latest revision as of 12:49, 12 January 2026


India Government Mint, Kolkata
IndustryMint
Founded1757; 269 years ago (1757)[1]
HeadquartersKolkata, West Bengal, India
Key people
Gorakhnath Yadav
(General Manager & HOD)
ProductsCurrency, Medallions
Websiteigmkolkata.spmcil.com

Template:Coin image box 1 double

The India Government Mint, Kolkata was first established in 1757,[2] and was located in a building next to the Black Hole in the old fort – where the GPO (General Post Office) stands today.[3] It was called the Calcutta Mint and used to produce coins with the mint name Murshidabad.[2]

Second mint[edit | edit source]

Two silver rupee coins from the Bengal Presidency, during the reign of Shah Alam II in Company Raj, minted in old Calcutta Mint.

The second Calcutta Mint was established with the modern machinery brought in 1790 from England. It was located at the site of Gillet Ship building Establishment, which had been taken over by the Stamp and Stationary Committee in 1833. The coins issued from this mint continued to bear mint name Murshidabad.

Third mint[edit | edit source]

The Old Silver Mint house at 60 Strand road, Kolkata, now occupied by the CRPF.
Reverse of the 1835 One Rupee coin, struck in the name of King William IV of England, minted in Calcutta.

In March 1824, the foundation of the third Calcutta Mint was laid on Strand Road and was opened for production from 1 August 1829. Until 1835, coins issued at this mint continued to be in the name of the Murshidabad Mint. The imposing frontage of the building of the third Mint was based on a design of the Temple of Athena in Athens, Greece, usually known as the Parthenon. The operative blocks were hidden out of view by the magnificent frontage.

This mint was named as "Old Silver Mint".[4] The foundation for this mint was laid March 1824, and production began 1 August 1829.[4]

The coinage production capacity then was varying between 300,000 and 600,000 pieces per day. In 1860, an annexe known as the "Copper Mint" was built to the north of the Silver Mint for the exclusive production of copper coins.[citation needed]

Copper pie sikka coins from the 1820s, minted at the third Mint.

The silver and copper mints both used to function and produce coins of bronze, silver and gold. Both these mints were well equipped with the coining presses supplied by Boulton and Watt of Soho, Birmingham, England.[citation needed]

Apart from minting of coins another important function of the Kolkata Mint was the manufacturing of medals and decorations during the British regime. The production of medals continues to this day.

After the closure of this mint in 1952 the building fell into disrepair, after years of neglect. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation declared this building a heritage building. A proposal to restore this building and convert its vast spaces into a museum was put up,[5][6] and on 10 July 2008 pre-qualification bids were received from eight developers.[4] The project will be a public-private partnership between the Security Printing and Minting Corporation, under the finance ministry, owner of the mint, and the winning bidder.[4]

Alipore Mint[edit | edit source]

In the late 1930s, foundation work for a new mint was completed at Taratala, close to Alipore and construction was to have completed by early 1942. However World War II brought all construction to a halt. It was completed in early 1950s.[7]

The Alipore Mint was opened by Finance Minister of Government of India Shree C. D. Deshmukh on 19 March 1952.[7] The full operation for the coinage and preparation of medals, decorations and badges started in Alipore Mint from this date. In addition to production of coins for domestic use also produces coins for other nations.

Alipore Mint has merged as cooperation and not a totally Government controlling body since 2008. It is a semi government and semi private sector organization at present.

Alipore Mint Colony[edit | edit source]

Alipore Mint Colony is located in few minutes distance from Alipore Mint. It is a closed boundary government protected area. It has a huge land for the residence and relaxation for all the employees of India Government Mint. The employees are facilitated High end Central Government Security, 24hrs water supply, cooperative store and other all such facility. Ample amount of space of ground for sports and play ground is provided for enjoyment and relaxation and entertainment.

Apart from that inside the closed premises, Central Government School is provided for children education till 10+2 standard. Medical facilities are also provide by the Central Government Health Scheme authority.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Bhattacharyya, Sancharii (16 December 2019). "History of Mint (টাকার আঁতুরঘরের ইতিহাস)". jiyobangla.com (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 1 January 2022. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  2. 2.0 2.1 "History of the Alipore Mint". India Govt Mint, Kolkota. Archived from the original on 29 June 2008. Retrieved 15 September 2008.
  3. "From mint to museum". telegraphindia.com. Calcutta, India: The Telegraph (Calcutta). 30 November 2007.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Kolkata's landmark Old Silver Mint to be re-incarnated". Economic Times. 17 July 2008. Archived from the original on 2 August 2008. Retrieved 15 September 2008.
  5. "Heritage Buildings in Kolkata". West Bengal Tourism. Archived from the original on 28 November 2006. Retrieved 7 November 2006.
  6. "Fresh reuse initiative for Old Mint". The Telegraph, Calcutta, India. 19 July 2005. Retrieved 7 November 2006.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  7. 7.0 7.1 "The Alipore Mint: dated March 20, 1952". The Hindu. 20 March 2002. Retrieved 15 September 2008.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)

External links[edit | edit source]

22°30′56.49″N 88°19′11.03″E / 22.5156917°N 88.3197306°E / 22.5156917; 88.3197306