Nepal Redesigns Re. 1 and Rs. 2 Coins: New Design, Cost Cuts, and Political Debate

20th July 2026, Kathmandu

The Government of Nepal has officially approved a proposal allowing Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) to overhaul the design, size, metal composition, and weight of the country’s Re. 1 and Rs. 2 circulation coins.

Nepal Redesigns Re. 1

While central bank officials highlight economic efficiency, durability, and hygiene as the primary drivers of the shift, the redesign has sparked nationwide political debate chiefly surrounding the decision to replace Nepal’s updated political map (Chuchche map) on the Re. 1 coin with the historic 8th-century Lo Gekar Monastery in Mustang.

Technical Upgrades: Lighter, Safer, and Cost-Effective

Nepal’s coins are currently minted in Poland. Historically, low-denomination currency in Nepal has faced high minting costs relative to face value; four years ago, minting a single Re. 1 coin cost approximately Rs. 2.40, creating a noticeable production loss.

To curb costs and modernize physical currency, the NRB is introducing major material and weight changes:

Material Shift: Both denominations are switching from traditional mixed metal alloys to stainless steel. Central bank officials note that stainless steel stays cleaner over time, is environmentally safer, and significantly lowers long-term production expenses.

Weight Reductions:

Re. 1 Coin: Reduced from 4.0 grams to 3.2 grams.

Rs. 2 Coin: Reduced from 5.0 grams to 3.8 grams.

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Specification Comparison

Design Changes: Cultural Tribute vs. Map Removal

While the Rs. 2 coin will retain its existing imagery and updated political map despite the size and weight reduction, the Re. 1 coin will no longer feature the map of Nepal.

Official Reason: Nepal Rastra Bank officials stated that rendering the intricate details of Nepal’s map clearly and attractively on the smaller 3.2-gram surface was visually unfeasible.

In its place, the front of the new Re. 1 coin will showcase Lo Gekar Monastery (also known as Ghar Gompa). Located in Marang village, Upper Mustang, this 8th-century site is widely regarded as one of Nepal’s oldest active Buddhist monasteries, credited to Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche).

Political Backlash: Controversy Surrounding the Chuchche Map

The omission of the map on the Re. 1 coin has stirred swift political pushback. In 2020, Nepal updated its constitutional map to officially include the disputed territories of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani, a version known locally as the Chuchche map.

Critics view the coin’s political map as a crucial symbol of national sovereignty:

Opposition Criticisms: Political leaders, including NCP leader Bhim Rawal, strongly criticized the Cabinet’s authorization, calling the removal an anti-national decision that weakens Nepal’s sovereign stance on its borders.

Public Debate: Social media commentators and political analysts are divided; some view the addition of Lo Gekar Monastery as an authentic celebration of Himalayan cultural heritage, while others worry it signals a diplomatic retreat from an important constitutional icon.

While the Cabinet has granted formal approval to Nepal Rastra Bank to mint the redesigned currency, the central bank expects it will take time before the new stainless steel coins enter general circulation. As public discourse continues, the new coins highlight the delicate balance between monetary cost efficiency, historic heritage, and national political symbolism.

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