Catalog
| Issuer | Bangladesh |
|---|---|
| Year | 1973-1974 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 10 Poisha |
| Currency | Taka (1972-date) |
| Composition | Aluminium (97.2% Aluminium, 2.8% Magnesium) |
| Weight | 2 g |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Scalloped (with 8 notches) |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#2, Schön#3 |
| Obverse description | The National Emblem of Bangladesh: a water lily bordered on two sides by rice sheaves. Above are a three-leaf clover of tea leaves and four stars representing the four principles of the first constitution of Bangladesh in 1972: nationalism, secularism, socialism, and democracy. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Large Betel leaf at center, stem divides value. |
| Reverse script | Bengali |
| Reverse lettering |
বাংলাদেশ ১৯৭৩ দশ ১0 পয়সা (Translation: Bangladesh 1973 Ten 10 Poisha) |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1973 - ১৯৭৩ - 100 000 000 1974 - ১৯৭৪ - 43 000 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 2552989320 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 10 Poisha coin, dated 1973-1974, marks a foundational period for the People's Republic of Bangladesh. Following its 1971 liberation, the nation, led by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, rapidly established its economic and monetary sovereignty. This early coinage was a tangible symbol of Bangladesh's new identity, replacing Pakistani currency and facilitating commerce during a critical phase of nation-building and post-war reconstruction.
Artistry: The design embodies the utilitarian yet nationalistic stylistic school common in post-colonial coinage. While the specific engraver is unrecorded, the artistry focuses on clear national symbolism. The obverse prominently features the National Emblem of Bangladesh: the Shapla (water lily) encircled by two sheaves of jute, with four stars and three interconnected leaves. The reverse displays "10 Poisha" in Bengali and English, with the minting year, surrounded by a simple wreath, reflecting an accessible design.
Technical/Grading: Struck in an aluminium alloy (97.2% Aluminium, 2.8% Magnesium), weighing 2 grams and 24 millimeters in diameter, this coin is lightweight and relatively large. Key high-points for grading include the central Shapla petals, jute leaves, and stars on the obverse, plus the Bengali script and numerals on the reverse. Due to aluminium's softness and high-volume production, strikes often exhibit flatness, especially on central emblem details and finer script. Bag marks and minor abrasions are common.