As per the explanation to Section 178 BNS, which of the

Solution

This answer is based on the Explanations attached to Section 178 of the BNS (which corresponds to Section 231/28 of the old IPC). 1. The Statutory Provision (Section 178 BNS) Section 178 deals with the general offence of counterfeiting coins, government stamps, currency notes, and bank notes.² However, it provides specific explanations to define what constitutes the act of "counterfeiting coin" versus other items. 2. What IS covered under "Counterfeiting Coin": According to Subsection (4) and Subsection (5) of Section 178, the offence of "counterfeiting coin" specifically includes:

• Causing a genuine coin to appear like a different coin (Subsection 4): This is the core act of deception.³
• Diminishing the weight (Subsection 5): Reducing the metal content for profit.⁴
• Alteration of the composition (Subsection 5): Changing the metal mix (debasement).⁵
• Alteration of the appearance (Subsection 5): Treating the surface to look like a higher-value coin.⁶

• Distinct Definition: The BNS defines "Coin" (Subsection 2) and "Bank-note" (Subsection 1) as two completely different legal instruments.
• Separate Offence Category: While Section 178 punishes the counterfeiting of banknotes, the specific definition/explanation of "counterfeiting coin" does not extend to paper currency. Printing fake banknotes is "counterfeiting bank-notes," not "counterfeiting coin."