Catalog
| Issuer | Bangladesh |
|---|---|
| Year | 1974-1979 |
| Type | Commemorative circulation coin |
| Value | 5 Poisha |
| Currency | Taka (1972-date) |
| Composition | Aluminium (97.2% Aluminium, 2.8% Magnesium) |
| Weight | 1.4 g |
| Diameter | |
| Thickness | 1.87 mm |
| Shape | Square with rounded corners |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#6, Schön#6 |
| 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 | The word `Bangladesh`, the minting year, and a swing plough inside a gear with lettering at the bottom part |
| Reverse script | Bengali |
| Reverse lettering |
বাংলাদেশ ১৯৭৫ ৫ পয়সা উৎপাদন বাড়ান (Translation: Bangladesh 1975 5 Poisha Increase production) |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1974 - ১৯৭৪; Berlin Mint - 5 000 000 1975 - ১৯৭৫; Berlin Mint - 3 000 000 1976 - ১৯৭৬; Berlin Mint - 3 000 000 1977 - ১৯৭৭ - 3 000 000 1978 - ১৯৭৮ - 1979 - ১৯৭৯ - |
| Numisquare ID | 1492524640 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: Issued by newly independent Bangladesh between 1974 and 1979, this 5 Poisha coin reflects a formative and often turbulent era following the nation's liberation. Under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and subsequent military rule, Bangladesh faced significant socio-economic challenges. The "FAO" designation highlights its participation in the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's global initiatives, underscoring a critical focus on food security and agricultural development, and demonstrating the nascent nation's commitment to self-sufficiency and international cooperation.
Artistry: The coin's design adheres to a functional, utilitarian stylistic school, typical for circulating coinage, prioritizing clarity and national symbolism. While specific engravers are uncredited, the obverse prominently features Bangladesh's national emblem: a water lily (Shapla) flanked by rice sheaves, with four stars and jute leaves. The reverse displays the "5 Poisha" denomination alongside a stylized rice stalk, a potent symbol of the nation's staple crop and agricultural aspirations, directly linking to the FAO's mission.
Technical/Grading: Struck in a lightweight aluminium alloy (97.2% Aluminium, 2.8% Magnesium) at 1.4 grams, this coin typically exhibits shallow relief. Key high-points for assessing strike quality include the delicate details of the water lily and the individual grains on the rice stalk. Due to aluminium's soft nature, bag marks are common even uncirculated. A strong strike renders fine lines of the rice sheaves and distinct separation of rice grains clearly. Wear first manifests on the highest points of the water lily petals and rice grains.