In 1988 India moved its small change to stainless steel: the 10, 25 and 50 paise were the first to receive the new metal, and the twenty-five paise appeared with a new design, the Indian rhinoceros. The type was struck for fifteen years, from 1988 to 2002.

The Indian, or greater one-horned, rhinoceros lives in northern India and Nepal, and the species’ main stronghold is Kaziranga National Park in Assam. On the reverse the animal faces left with the year above; the obverse shows the Lion Capital of Ashoka, the motto «Satyameva Jayate» and the value.

All four Indian mints struck the coin: Calcutta, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Noida. On 30 June 2011 the twenty-five paise was withdrawn from circulation along with the smaller values.

Graded AU-UNC, between AU and UNC: there are practically no signs of circulation, the steel keeps its lustre, and only faint rubbing may appear on the highest points. In an «animals on coins» collection, the rhino is one of the most recognisable Indian designs.

Other coins of this country and issues on related themes can be found in the VPcoins catalogue.