The Coinage Act, 2011

The Coinage Act, 2011 is an act that consolidates the laws relating to coinage and mints, protection of coinage, and prohibits the melting or destruction of coins. The Act aims to provide a uniform system for the minting and circulation of coins in India.

The Act defines various terms such as "coin," "commemorative coin," and "deface." It also outlines the powers of the Government to establish and abolish Mints, as well as the authority to delegate its functions.

The Coinage Act 2011 sets out various provisions related to the denominations, dimensions, designs, and composition of coins. The standard weight and remedy allowed in making such coins are prescribed by the Government from time to time.

The Act also deals with the prohibition of melting or destruction of coins, and prohibits the possession of any melted coin or coin in a destroyed or mutilated state. Those who contravene these provisions shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to seven years and with fine.

Additionally, the Act provides for the power to call in coin, establishment and abolition of Mints, and delegation of functions by the Mint. It also deals with the protection of action taken in good faith and the removal of difficulties in giving effect to the provisions of the Act.

The Coinage Act 2011 repeals several enactments, including the Metal Tokens Act, 1889, the Coinage Act, 1906, and the Currency Ordinance, 1940. It also makes provision for the continuance of existing coins and the laying down rules to carry out the purposes of the Act.

The key features of the Coinage Act, 2011 include:

• Consolidation of laws relating to coinage and mints


• Protection of coinage


• Prohibition on melting or destruction of coins


• Establishment and abolition of Mints


• Power to delegate functions by the Mint


• Provisions for the denominations, dimensions, designs, and composition of coins.


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