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]
 | |
| Company type | Public sector |
|---|---|
| Industry | Mint |
| Founded | 1757[1] |
| Headquarters | Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
Key people | Gorakhnath Yadav ( General Manager & HOD |
| Products | Currency, Medallions |
| Website | igmkolkata |
| Indian rupee minted at Calcutta mint (1905). | |
|---|---|
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| |
| Obverse: Bust of Edward VII surrounded by his name. | Reverse: Face value, country and date. Spray of lotus flowers on each side and a crown above. |
| 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. | |
Second mint
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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
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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]
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
editIn 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
editAlipore 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
editReferences
edit- ^ 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.
- ^ a b "History of the Alipore Mint". India Govt Mint, Kolkota. Archived from the original on 29 June 2008. Retrieved 15 September 2008.
- ^ "From mint to museum". telegraphindia.com. Calcutta, India: The Telegraph (Calcutta). 30 November 2007. Archived from the original on 17 September 2012.
- ^ a b c d "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.
- ^ "Heritage Buildings in Kolkata". West Bengal Tourism. Archived from the original on 28 November 2006. Retrieved 7 November 2006.
- ^ "Fresh reuse initiative for Old Mint". The Telegraph, Calcutta, India. 19 July 2005. Archived from the original on 3 February 2013. Retrieved 7 November 2006.
- ^ a b "The Alipore Mint: dated March 20, 1952". The Hindu. 20 March 2002. Archived from the original on 25 January 2013. Retrieved 15 September 2008.
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External links
edit- India Government Mint, Kolkata Archived 22 October 2018 at the Wayback Machine
