India’s Finance Ministry to Release a Rs 100 Commemorative Coin Honouring a Millennium of the Modhera Sun Temple

On September 19, 2026, the Finance Ministry announced it will issue a special Rs 100 coin to salute a remarkable milestone – a full 1,000 years since the Modhera Sun Temple first opened its doors in Gujarat.

What’s on the coin, you ask? The front (or obverse) carries the Lion Capital of Ashoka, that familiar symbol of India’s ancient past, with the national motto “Satyameva Jayate” printed just beneath. On the left side you’ll see “भारत” (Bharat) in Devanagari, and on the right “INDIA” in English, alongside the rupee sign “₹” and the numeric “100”. It’s a tidy blend of tradition and modernity.

Flip the coin over and you get a graceful rendering of the Modhera Sun Temple itself, placed right at the centre. Curving above the image are the years “1026–2026”, reminding us of the temple’s birth and the present centenary. Below, in plain English, the legend reads “1000 YEARS OF MODHERA SUN TEMPLE, GUJARAT”. The design feels like a little tribute you can hold in your palm.

The move was formalised through a gazette notification under the Coinage Act, 2011, and is officially titled “Coinage (Issue of commemorative coin on the occasion of 1000 Years of Modhera Sun Temple, Gujarat) Rules, 2026”. In other words, the legal paperwork is all set, and the coins will soon be struck.

Why does this temple deserve a coin at all? Modhera’s Sun Temple, dedicated to Surya dev, the Sun God, is an architectural gem. Built around 1026 AD, its intricate carvings, towering shikhara and the spectacular step‑well known as Surya Kund have long drawn admirers from around the globe. The millennial celebration is more than a ceremony; it’s a reminder of India’s rich cultural tapestry.

Collectors, history buffs, and anyone who loves a good story will likely line up for this limited‑edition piece. And even if you’re not a numismatist, seeing a tiny piece of heritage minted for everyday use is a neat reminder of how past and present can coexist.

So, keep an eye on the news – the Rs 100 commemorative coin is set to roll out soon, and it might just end up in your pocket or on your mantel, shining as a small but powerful nod to a thousand years of architectural brilliance.