LUCKNOW: Lucknow University will now boast of a commemorative coin of Rs 100 on its centenary year and become the third Indian varsity after Mysore University and Banaras Hindu University to bag this honour.
The coin will be released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will virtually join the varsity’s foundation day celebration on November 25. He will also release a coffee table book and stamp on the occasion.
Hammered out of silver, bronze, copper and nickel, the coin has been minted at the Government Mint in Mumbai and would be a precious asset in the Lucknow University’s treasure trove.
Renowned numismatist Sudhir Lunawat of Bikaner said, “The Lucknow University will be the third varsity in the country to receive a commemorative coin on its 100th year. This will be a noncirculating coin and will have ‘Lucknow University Centenary Celebrations’ engraved in English and Hindi along with the year, 1920-2020, and university’s logo of ‘Light and Learning’ at the centre.”
Lunavat said, the coin has a composition of 50% silver, 40% copper, 5% nickel and zinc. It will have a 44mm diameter and weigh 36gm. Days after release of the coin, connoisseurs can purchase the coin online at spmcil.com — official website of Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Ltd.
Lucknow University vice-chancellor Prof Alok Kumar Rai said, “The coin, stamp and coffee table book of the university will be virtually released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 25. This won’t be just a coin, but an invaluable historic and memorable piece and a symbol of varsity’s 100 years of excellence.”.