25-paise coin

From July 1, another small coin disappeared from circulation. I am left with the memories of the good old days when the 25-paise coin was able to work wonders. My brother and I worked hard to collect the neem nuts in our backyards. We used to sell them and get 25 paise each. We would then walk up to 4 miles to see a film. Tickets were priced at 25 paise in touring cinemas. Our father used to give us an extra 10 paise to buy some snacks during the interval. Up to the last day of its circulation, the 25-paise coin had its use — it could buy me a packet of betel nut.

P. Poovalingam, Tirunelveli

That the value of money has declined significantly is evident from the fact that 25 paise is now just a piece of metal with no value. Though this may not be sensational in itself, it may the pave way for the decline of 50 paise, and one-rupee and two-rupee coins. The value of one rupee before seven or eight decades is comparable to Rs.100 today.

Ishwarya Chandrasekar, Srirangam

The 25-paise coin became obsolete long ago. It was first felt when beggars refused to take it. In market transactions, even 50-paise coins are rare. Both the buyer and the seller can afford to forgo the small change. The days of the 50-paise coins are also limited.

Gokul Burman, Nadia

No doubt, all of us have lots of stories and memories about the quarter of a rupee or charana. But we need to be practical. What can one get for 25 paise today? Not even a cup of tea from a street vendor. It is at least a decade since shops and establishments in Bangalore stopped accepting the coin. Let us move ahead, not retreat.

C.K. Saseendran, Bangalore

(Business Line)