What makes this issue especially interesting is its connection to World War II and the Gurkhas. The coins were produced from brass rifle cartridge material associated with ammunition used by Gurkha soldiers during World War II, giving rise to the popular “Bullet Paisa” name. Contemporary numismatic references describe the issue as a tribute to the Gurkha soldiers who fought alongside Allied forces.
Coin Highlights:
- Date: VS2012 (1955)
- Country: Nepal
- Denomination: 4 Paisa
- Composition: Brass
- Weight: 2.3 grams
- Diameter: 20 mm
- Thickness: 1.5 mm
- Edge: Plain
- Center-holed design.
- Catalog Reference: KM#754
- Commonly known as the “Bullet Paisa.”
- Produced from World War II-era rifle cartridge material associated with Nepalese Gurkha soldiers.
- Authenticated and encapsulated by NGC as Genuine.
Obverse:
Features a crescent moon and star with Devanagari inscriptions identifying the Nepal Government and the 4 Paisa denomination.
Reverse:
Features Devanagari inscriptions surrounding the central hole, including “Sri Bhabani” and the Vikram Samvat date 2012, corresponding to 1955 A.D.
The Bullet Paisa Story
The 4 Paisa earned its famous nickname from the unusual source of its metal. World War II rifle cartridge material connected with the Gurkha soldiers was repurposed to produce these coins. The Gurkhas fought alongside British and Allied forces against Japanese forces during the war, giving the coin an unusual connection between military and numismatic history.
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