Numismatic

1955 Nepal 4 Paisa: The Bullet Coins of the Gurkhas VF-XF

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In 1955, the government of Nepal produced a highly unusual currency issue born directly from the remnants of conflict. This four paisa coin was minted using the brass casings of rifle ammunition fired by the legendary Gurkha soldiers during World War II. Because the supply of these spent casings was limited, the issue lasted for only a single year, making it a distinctive artifact of mid-century Nepalese history. Each of these brass pieces features a central hole, a practical design element that sets it apart from traditional coinage. The obverse of the coin bears an inscription translating to 'The Nepal Government - 4 Paisa'. On the reverse, the text reads 'Sri Bhabani' alongside the date 2012, which corresponds to the year 1955 in the Western calendar. These pieces survive as a tangible tribute to the bravery of the Gurkha fighters. Because they were struck from actual military surplus, each coin carries a physical connection to the soldiers who used the original ammunition, transforming military scrap into a lasting symbol of national heritage.