Nepal Rastra Bank Coins Prequalified Minting Companies List
12th March 2026, Kathmandu
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has officially moved into the next phase of its currency management strategy by releasing the list of prequalified international companies eligible to bid for the design, minting, and supply of Nepalese coins.
Nepal Rastra Bank Coins
This move, managed by the Currency Management Department under Invitation for Prequalification (IFP) No: NRB/COIN/PQ/01/082/83, is a critical step in ensuring the integrity and consistency of Nepal’s metallic currency supply. The prequalification process, which began in late 2025, has successfully narrowed the field to six globally renowned minting institutions.
The Shortlisted Global Partners
The central bank’s selection criteria focused on technical manufacturing capacity, the ability to integrate advanced anti-counterfeiting features, and historical experience in producing sovereign currency. The six companies that met these stringent requirements are:
- China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation (China)
- Joint Stock Company GOZNAK (Russia)
- Mennica Polska S.A. (Poland)
- Mincovna Kremnica (Slovak Republic)
- Royal Canadian Mint (Canada)
- Royal Dutch Mint (Netherlands)
These institutions were chosen for their proven ability to handle high-volume production while maintaining strict security protocols, ensuring that Nepalese coins meet international durability and aesthetic standards.
Why Nepal Collaborates with International Mints
As Nepal does not currently operate domestic minting facilities capable of large-scale, high-precision currency production, the country relies on global expertise. This approach ensures that the central bank benefits from cutting-edge engraving technology and specialized metal alloys that are highly resistant to wear and environmental corrosion. By utilizing international partners, the NRB also benefits from standardized quality control processes, which are essential for preventing the circulation of substandard or easily replicated coins.
Next Steps in the Procurement Process
The publication of the prequalification list is not the final step. The NRB will now issue a formal request for technical and financial bids exclusively to these six prequalified firms. The evaluation of these bids will be based on a multi-faceted set of criteria:
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Production Capacity: The ability to meet specific volume targets within tight delivery timelines.
Technological Innovation: The inclusion of sophisticated security elements, such as micro-lettering or specific edge treatments, to deter illicit replication.
Financial Competitiveness: The overall cost efficiency of the minting, packaging, and logistical delivery to Kathmandu.
The Role of Coins in a Digitalizing Economy
Despite the rapid surge in digital payments—which have recently crossed the 7 trillion rupee mark—metallic currency remains a vital component of the Nepali financial landscape. Coins serve as the primary medium for small-value transactions, such as public transportation, informal retail trade, and daily marketplace exchanges. Maintaining an adequate and high-quality supply of these coins is necessary to prevent transaction friction, particularly in rural or unbanked populations where physical cash remains the dominant method of payment.
For the stakeholders and the general public, this prequalification announcement serves as an assurance that the central bank is proactively managing the lifecycle of physical currency. By engaging with established international mints, the Nepal Rastra Bank is taking the necessary precautions to preserve the reliability of the national currency, ensuring it remains a trusted asset for everyday use across the country.
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