New Delhi: The Government of India’s Ministry of Finance has announced the issuance of a special ₹75 commemorative coin to mark two significant milestones linked to the Somnath Temple in Gujarat – 1,000 years since the first recorded attack on the temple and 75 years of its reconstruction. The notification was issued by the Ministry of Finance through an Extraordinary Gazette dated May 8, 2026.

The commemorative coin will be issued under the provisions of the Coinage Act, 2011. According to the notification, the coin will be minted under the authority of the Central Government and will come into force from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.

Coin Specifications

The ₹75 coin will be circular in shape with a diameter of 44 millimetres and will feature 200 serrations along its edge. It will be made of pure silver with a silver purity of 99.9 per cent. The standard weight of the coin has been fixed at 40 grams, with a permissible variation between 39.995 grams and 40.005 grams.

Design Details

The obverse side of the coin will carry the Lion Capital of Ashoka at the centre along with the inscription “Satyameva Jayate.” The words “भारत” and “INDIA” will appear on the left and right periphery respectively, while the rupee symbol “₹” and denomination “75” will be displayed below the emblem.

The reverse side of the coin will feature an image of the Somnath Temple in Gujarat. The upper periphery of the coin will bear the inscription in Hindi translating to a celebration of 1,000 years of India’s unwavering faith and spirituality, while the lower portion will carry the English inscription: “A Celebration of 1000 Years of India’s Unwavering Faith and Devotion.” The words “Somnath Mandir, Gujarat” in Devanagari script and the year “2026” will also be inscribed on the reverse side.

Historical Significance

The Somnath Temple, located in Prabhas Patan of Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds major religious significance. The temple has historically symbolised resilience and reconstruction after repeated invasions and destruction over centuries.

The present structure was rebuilt after Independence following efforts led by India’s first Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The reconstruction project was completed in the early 1950s, making 2026 the 75th year of its reconstruction. DeshGujarat