3 Paisa ND 1966 Pattern

Pakistan's decimal coinage transition in the mid-1960s generated a series of pattern pieces tested in various compositions before final production decisions were made. Aluminium was under active evaluation for low-denomination coins during this period as a cost-reduction measure, though the 3 Paisa denomination ultimately entered circulation in bronze. Pattern pieces in aluminium from this phase rarely surface, as most were retained by the mint or destroyed after testing.