India's first online museum for ancient and current coins, stamps and currency notes, Mintage World, is bringing a rare collection of coins, currency notes and stamps at the National Numismatic Exhibition 2018 in New Delhi. Fifty coins dating back to over 2,000 years—some of which belong to the third and fourth century BC—are on display. These have been acquired from collectors and exhibitors from across India. The currency notes, on the other hand, are of different eras, including the ones with printing mistakes. Also on display are stamps and antique paintings by Indian artists.
Every coin is uploaded with well curated important aspects like mintmarks, inscription details, emperor, weight, metal, denomination, date of issue, among others. Similarly, the crucial insights of stamps like the issue date, type of stamp, perforation and value are available. Information about notes is updated with signatory details, motif description, denomination, date of issue and type of note.
Mukesh Verma, president, Royal Numismatic Society, who has also curated the show, says that this is the third time such an exhibition is on display in Delhi. Calling it an exhibition done for the purpose of involving people's participation, Verma says, “The idea to conduct it is for educational purposes and to encourage people to revisit past. That's why the coins that existed during the period of Mughal dynasty, Delhi Sultanate, Alauddin Khilji, Muhammad bin Tughlaq and Sayyid dynasty are displayed on the same platform.”
Starting from Kushan coins to the ones that exist today, such an exhibition shares knowledge and creates interest for general public, students, scholars, collectors, hobbyists, buyers, sellers and investors. “I feel that this initiative will help re-emphasise the glorious history, arts and cultural legacy of India and put our country on the global map of collectors,” says Verma.
Besides these collections, Mintage World is also opening doors for the people to purchase the displayed coins, currency and antique paintings. Jayesh Gala, consultant, Mintage World, says that two auctions are also in store. “We are conducting two auctions—one on May 19 and other on May 20 where all coins, currency and antique paintings will be auctioned, giving people a chance to buy them.
“We are also conducting free workshops to make people understand and identify coins, notes and stamps. Through these, people will be able to identify the language (in case of foreign currency), history and their year of origin. A brochure with all the details and the currency is also available for deeper understanding. I feel, this way, people will be able to take a peek into the transformation the currency has witnessed over the years.”
The ongoing exhibition is taking place at All India Fine Arts & Crafts Society in New Delhi and will conclude on May 21.