Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Why All Passionate notaphilists have Banknote Collecting Supplies handy!

If you really love something or someone you would take care of it/him/her with all your heart. You wouldn’t want that something or someone to get spoilt or fall ill for that matter. Be it a special gift that means more than a gift to you or your own family members, you would want to keep all of them close to your heart. Same is the case with a notaphilist or someone who loves collecting banknotes. They take a lot of effort in putting together a special collection of banknotes from scratch. Some of them take several years to find a banknote that they have been eagerly looking for. That’s the reason why they make it a point to store their rare notes in good quality banknote accessories.

These banknote accessories come in different sizes and shapes these days like a banknote collectors album, a banknote storage box or banknote sleeves. Depending on what your requirements are, you can select banknote collecting supplies of your choice! Also, you would find them all on the internet. There are several shopping portals where you can buy branded banknote collecting supplies at the best prize possible!

Image Courtesy: www.mintageworld.com
Banknote sleeves can protect your special banknotes from any kind of dust or moisture. This will maintain their condition for years to come. In fact protecting banknotes is as important as collecting them for every notaphilist. This will ensure that the value of your collectibles does not diminish with time. Rare and old banknotes that you buy today might fetch you an impressive amount in the future. That’s the reason why a banknote storage box will come in handy in the long run!

Another important thing to remember is that you should never fold your banknotes no matter how lengthy they are. You must keep then nice and straight in a good quality banknote collector’s album. Folded banknotes leave behind a mark at the centre forever, degrading its condition even further. 

If you are passionate about notaphily, then you would definitely take the necessary steps to keep your notes in top condition by storing them in quality banknote accessories!

Monday, December 25, 2017

There’s no Age for Collecting Stamps of India



I have been collecting stamps of India ever since I was 10 years old. From then on, there has been no looking back. There are many people who think that stamp collecting is a hobby for the kids. Those who have that opinion don’t know that there is a huge community of philatelists in the world who specialize in rare stamps of India. Many of these Indian rare stamps have been sold at international auction houses for lakhs of rupees. Apart from that, money is not everything in life. One has to be passionate about something that will keep him or her excited always.

What is the point in living each day just like yesterday. There has to be something unique that you learn every day. Indian stamps are my source to that uniqueness that I keep craving for. My collection of old Indian stamps is a window to some of the most fascinating aspects about our country’s history, traditions, nature, wildlife, flora, geography, landmarks, events, personalities and more.  

As technology is picking up at a very fast rate, writing letters has become a thing of the past. The
chances of finding kids of today’s generation indulging in a hobby like stamp collecting are very feeble. That’s the reason why it is our responsibility to introduce kids to the amazing world of Indian stamps. You can take them to the nearest post office and show them the latest stamps in India.

My kids too were not too keen in taking up this hobby even after I showed them my collection of old Indian stamps. But slowly, as I started narrating the stories behind these rare stamps of India, they became more and more curious to learn. I also lent them a few interesting Indian stamps from my own collection to start theirs. Today they meet their friends and discuss about old Indian stamps whenever they get some time. They also motivate their friends to indulge in stamp collecting.

So, if you really want to do it, you will find a way to do it! Doesn’t matter what the society thinks about you. Keep listening to your heart and continue collecting beautiful Indian stamps as long as you are healthy enough to do so!

Monday, December 18, 2017

Precautions to be taken while Investing in Coins of the world

 Have you ever thought of collecting coins of the world? Coin collection is a fun hobby that is popular all over the world since a long time now. Scientific evidence proves that the hobby not only reduces stress levels but also increases your knowledge in a great way. There are many ways in which you can start building your collection of valuable coins from around the world. The internet and latest communication platforms allow you to connect with different collectors from different corners of the earth, making things much simpler. Today you can showcase pictures of your collection online and look for interested parties with just a few clicks. Networking has become more convenient with the advent of new internet technologies and platforms. The best part is that the value of these coins keeps appreciating with time. If you were to sell some interesting world coins after a period of three to four years, you might end up making a lot of profit.

Coin exhibitions and related events are the best places where you can find rare world coins. You need to be very careful when you are putting in a lot of money on coins from around the world, because there are chances that they are not as precious or rare. That’s the reason why it becomesextremely important to keep researching about valuable coins from around the world. Knowledge is something that will take you a long way in the field of numismatics where there are many who are looking to sell their fake coins for a worthy amount. Again, there are thousands of websites that share information about different kinds of rare world coins. You need to be careful about the authenticity of information. You must refer trusted sources and online catalogues whenever it comes to researching about coins from around the world. This will ensure that you are not fooled by dealers and distributors in any way. It is always better to do your complete research before purchasing expensive world coins. You could also consider taking a second opinion from expert collectors or numismatists.

Also remember that greed might misguide you to take a wrong decision. Trusting your instincts is one thing and checking facts and figures is another. Many collectors gamble by taking risky decisions and end up losing a lot of money!




Monday, December 11, 2017

My Favourite Piece from my collection of Currency notes of India


When we think of Indian notes, all we think about is cash in our wallets. But if you are a passionate collector or notaphilist, you will go one step further. Notaphilists will take their time and keep looking at notes of India for hours together. They would try their best for finding out the history of Indian notes along the various symbolic depictions on them. Many would wonder what is so exciting about collecting Currency notes of India. Collecting notes is a hobby which is not very popular, but those who do it are the ones who can explain the joy of indulging in notaphily.

I have been collecting old notes of India since five years now, but I still think that there is a lot to achieve. Some of the expert collectors that I met recently have amazing collections of rare notes of India like the ones that were issued during the British times. Sometimes I wished I had some of those in my collection of Indian notes, but that’s how it is. You won’t find what you are looking for unless and until you are passionately trying to find it wholeheartedly. If I was asked to choose the most special piece form my collection of currency notes in India, I would be a super solid 1 Re note that was issued in 1917. Very recently our 1 rupee note celebrated its hundredth anniversary and I felt proud of owning a piece of history with me. I also have an interesting collection of colonial notes that were issued by the French and Portuguese. Some collector friends continuously lure me to sell those beautiful notes of India, but deep down they know that I will never do that ultimately. That’s the main difference between a collector and a dealer who is only looking to make some quick money by buying and selling notes randomly.

I have inculcated the habit of closely analyzing every Indian notes that comes to me. My friends sometimes laugh at me, but I don’t really care because collecting old notes of India is my passion and will continue doing it as and when I get some free time.    
   

Monday, December 4, 2017

Collecting Stamps of India – The Perfect Stress buster

We live in a day and age when stress has become an organic part of our lives. It all boils down to how you manage your stress in the long run. The number of cases related to depression and suicides are on the rise day by day. There is a need to start a conversation or indulge in something that releases your stress in some way or the other. Though physical exercise for at least half an hour can bring down stress levels to a great extent, hobbies are something that can make a bigger impact. Unlike other common hobbies, collecting Stamps of India doesn’t just bring joy into your lives but also increases your general knowledge.

I have been collecting Indian stamps from the last four years now and the journey has been truly exciting so far. The joy of adding rare Indian stamps in your collection cannot be expressed in words. It definitely boosts your morale and confidence levels greatly. The most fascinating aspect about old Indian stamps is its variety. India is such a vibrant country with so many different cultures, traditions and landscapes that stamps in India are a treat to collect for any philatelist. Moreover, you are keeping your mind engaged on most occasions, trying to read about the imagery depicted on rare stamps of India.

Whenever I am stressed out, I take out my collection of Indian rare stamps and keep gazing at them for hours together. A lot of effort goes into putting together an impressive collection of Indian stamps. Sometimes, all you feel like doing is pull them out of your drawers and appreciate the time you spent on making this collection and the hard work you put in for the same. There are very few hobbies like collecting stamps of India which can give you so much pleasure and knowledge at the same time.     

Monday, November 27, 2017

Ancient Coins of India and their broad classifications


Collectors from all around the world have a fascination for old Indian coins. Many of these ancient coins of India were issued thousands of years ago by various kingdoms and emperors. Indian old coins from the Magadha Mauryan empire speak a lot about the richness of Indian traditions and cultures. They suggest the existence of highly civilized societies within the Indian subcontinent right from ancient times. Moreover, these ancient Indian coins also suggest that the Indian subcontinent was had some of the wealthiest kingdoms of its times.

Ancient coins of India can be classified based on the various janapadas that existed during those days. Gandhara, Magadha, Magadha-mauryan, Kashi, Kuntala and Ayodhya formed the earliest Janapadas starting from 600 BCE. Then there were invaders like Greco-Bactrian, Indo-Greeks, Indo – Scythian, Kushan, Indo – Parthian, Indo Sassanian, Huns etc. who minted coins under their regime as well. The designs, motifs, inscriptions of ancient Indian coins were unique and represented the ruling kingdom which issued them. There is so much to explore that a single lifetime wouldn’t be sufficient to learn about them.

Then there were Mighty kingdoms under the Guptas, Western Kshatrapas and Satavahanas, each of which issued beautiful Indian Old Coins. If you thought that there were powerful kingdoms only in the north, then you are wrong. Old Coin of India struck under south Indian empires like Cholas, Pandyas and Pallavas suggest that the Indian subcontinent maintained strong trade relations with foreign lands as well. There were influential city states as well like Mathura, Rajgir, Kolhapur, Ayodhya, Ujjain, Taxila etc., many of which had their own unique coinage. 

Numismatics in India is really exciting. Every coin allows you to understand history at a deeper level. What we have been taught in school is nothing when compared with the number of ancient dynasties that ruled over the Indian subcontinent.

Monday, November 20, 2017

Types of Old Indian Notes that Notaphilists look for


There are several passionate Notaphilist in our country who loves collecting interesting Indian Notes. They follow different themes based on the era in which these currency notes in India were issued. Notes of India can be broadly classified into five categories namely Early Banknotes, British India, Princely states, colonial issues and republic India notes. The kind of notes that a Notaphilist wants to collect is based on personal likes and interests.
There are many others who look for Rare Notes of India with unique serial number. There is another group of collectors who are keen on studying different imageries and motifs on Old Notes of India. No matter which category you fall into, this History of Indian Notes is really exciting and equally fascinating. If you are a true collector, you wouldn’t be satisfied by simply adding Rare Notes of India in your collection. You will take some effort in learning about the historical significance hidden behind these Currency Notes in India. By studying about issue limits and serial numbers of banknotes, you can understand the rarity of notes in your collection. Only if you are aware about these facts, would you will be given your due respect in this community.  

Early banknotes of India can be further classified into specific issues released by the three different presidencies namely, Bengal, Bombay and Madras. British India notes can be categorized into Portrait Note of Queen Victoria, Uniface Note of Government of India, King George V and King George VI. When it comes to old Indian notes issued by Princely states, Hyderabad was the only princely state that released its own Currency Notes of India. Other colonial issues include amazing Indo-French and Indo-Portuguese notes. There are many rare notes of India falling in these categories which have been sold for impressive amounts in auction houses all over the world. And finally, Republic India Notes can be further classified as Government of India issues, Indian Notes released under Reserve Bank of India, Persian Gulf issues and Haj Pilgrim notes.

With so many varieties to look forward to, collecting and studying about Rare Indian Notes is a dream for any Notaphilist!

Thursday, November 9, 2017

An Online Museum of Coins with a Difference!


There are some hobbies that don’t just bring joy into our lives. They also help in upgrading our knowledge in some or the other way. Hobbies like coin collection, banknote collection and stamp collection fall under this category.

Passionate collectors make it a point to research about everything that they are collecting. In the age of internet, finding information is just a matter of a few searches and clicks. Authenticity of data is what really matters, especially when it comes to historical information about coins. Apart from that, you won’t find many websites that share all the information you need under one single roof. Mintage world is a one of a kind online museum of coins, banknote museum and stamp museum which offers well-categorized data like never before. It is a paradise for coin collectors, researchers, numismatists, notaphilists, philatelists, historians, students and everyone else who wants to indulge in these exciting hobbies. It allows you to search and filter out data based on multiple parameters.  In case of coins, you can search based on era, rulers, type of coin etc. Similarly, in the case of stamps, you can search based on themes, time periods etc. With respect to banknotes, filers like issue date, denomination, country name etc. make the process of research much simpler.

Moreover, this online museum of coins shares detailed information about all types of coins with obverse/ reverse descriptions, high resolution images, history and much more. Now philatelists or stamp lovers wouldn’t have to look into multiple websites. They can access all that they need through this single online stamp museum. The online banknote museum on Mintage World covers information about all types of Indian banknotes, right from the colonial issues to the republic notes of India. Not just that, the website also lists upcoming events so that you won’t miss any. There are other sections like news, blog, videos, shopping, etc which add value to this unique online museum of coins, online banknote museum and stamp museum.



Thursday, November 2, 2017

Why understanding historical significance of Rare Coins in India is essential?

Have you ever wondered why antique coins of India have a lot of respect among numismatic communities all over the world? That’s purely because of the rich historical stories that these antique Indian coins carry along with them. Even though the value of a coin majorly depends on its rarity and condition, there are several instances where the rarest coins of India have been sold for impressive amounts just because of their historical significance. That’s the reason why, every collector should be keen on researching about the historical facts hidden behind these coins. The more you dive into our glorious past, the more you would be amazed! Apart from ancient Indian coins, rare coins of British India and colonial coins have been in the spotlight for quite some time in the numismatic communities now. Being an Indian collector, you should definitely make the most of these wonderful opportunities. Collectors are willing to invest a lot of money into them since they can be easily sold for a higher value, a few years down the line.

You should always be wary of distributors who claim to offer the rarest coins of India. Only if you analyze them deeply, you might find out that they are not so rare. It is always better to take advice from well-known and experienced collectors before investing in expensive antique Indian coins. Expert numismatists can easily make out whether a coin is actually rare or not, since they are backed with sound knowledge about history. You wouldn’t want to put in thousands of rupees into so-called “rare coins of British India” and later realize that their actual market value is not that high.  
Apart from British Indian coins, there are many interesting colonial coins that were issued by other colonies that were established in India like Dutch, Portuguese and French. Many of these antique coins of India are highly sought after by collectors and investors alike. So follow the mantra of understanding history before adding new coins to your collection!

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Coins of the world: Watching history through new eyes


Each country has an identity. This identity is defined primarily by that nation’s history. The world is thousands of centuries old and human civilizations started blossoming after a later stage. Human beings are social animals who like living in communities. During stone-age, human beings used to rely on hunting. They later started inventing many new things, including cultivation or agriculture. Barter system was used in the ancient times for exchanging goods. Soon, there was a need to come up with a standard monetary system to buy or sell goods. The earliest coins of the world is supposedly the Lydian Lion from present-day Turkey which were issued from around 600 to 610 BC. These amazing coins preceded Ancient Greek coinage and from there the journey of coins from around the world began. Each king/ emperor or dynasty issued coins for their own territory. They featured unique motifs and symbols that were somewhere related to their kingdom. After a point in history, coins of the world were struck with portraits of kings in different postures. They also featured inscriptions that praised these kings or emperors. 

Coins from around the world are the perfect mediums through which you can traverse back in time. Historians have traced various historical events, successions and conquests based on their research on valuable coins from around the time. Numismatists from across the globe have conducted various studies and researches to demystify those unknown aspects of history. Dating is a process in numismatics using which you can arrive at an approximate age of coins of the world. In one way, these coins from around the world act like time-stamps for identifying various events from the past. That’s the reason why coin collection is one of the most popular hobbies you would find anywhere. This definitely is a more exciting and unique way of learning history, far better than mugging up history text books!







Monday, October 16, 2017

How I found my calling by collecting Old Indian Coins

5 years back, I was a boring man with no particular interests in life. The moment I was introduced to the hobby of collecting old Indian coins, my life changed for the better drastically. I was pursuing a normal day job in the IT industry with a decent salary. I had everything in terms of material possessions and comforts, but I felt incomplete deep within. I was constantly searching for something that would make me happy internally. There was a sense of unrest within me when I realized that there was no meaning to the life I was leading. I had no sense of direction really with every passing day.

One day, my uncle showed me his collection of ancient Indian coins and my eyes lit up. He kept sharing the historical significance of the collection of old Indian coins that he had built over a period of ten long years.  The more we talked about Indian old coins, the more I was fascinated by them. I borrowed one the ancient Indian coins from my uncle to start my own collection. Suddenly, I started having something to look forward to in life. After a long day at work, I used to think of ways in which I could easily grow my collection of Indian old coins. I searched for websites and online communities and started engaging in worthy conversations with fellow collectors from all over the world. I also started devoting some time for researching about all kinds of old Indian coins.  Slowly and steadily, I not only started growing my collection of ancient coins of India but also started improving my knowledge about them.

I found a new direction in life as soon as I started indulging completely in this amazing hobby. I am much happier now since I think I have found my inner calling in Old Coins of India.



Monday, October 9, 2017

Interesting Modern Coins of India to Look Out for as a Collector!

When it comes to numismatics and coin collection in India, ancient, medieval and colonial coins are more popularly collected. That’s majorly because these old coins of India have a historical significance. There is a perception that collecting modern Indian coins is not as exciting as collecting ancient Indian coins. That’s not really the case. There are several types of commemorative coins that you can look out for when it comes to modern coins of India. Modern Indian coins can be broadly classified into two types – the Anna series and decimal coinage. There are many rare modern coins in India as well, since their mintage limit was low. Even though the historical significance of modern coins of India could be low, rarity is something that makes them an interesting addition to your collection.

Did you know that even after India’s independence on 15th August 1947, old British coins were used as frozen currency? 1/2 Re, 1/4 Re, 2 Anna, 1 Anna, 1/2 Anna & 1 Pice coins introduced in 1950, belong to the Anna series.  India shifted to decimal coinage in the year 1957. Modern coins of India that were issued between 1957 and 1964 had the legend “Naya Paisa” on them.  In 1964, modern Indian coins of the denomination 3 paisa were introduced while in 1968, 20 paisa coins were introduced. Both these denominations were not popular. Famous Indian personalities, leaders and historic events have been celebrated with the issue of commemorative modern Indian coins. Look for coins unique commemorative coins that have a low mintage as they would be rarer and more sought after among collectors. 

There is another group of modern Indian coins that you can look out for – error coins! Error coins generally have a great market value since they are unique and extremely rare. But beware of dealers who sell fake error coins by deforming coins intentionally. Also, unlike ancient coins or medieval coins, chances of finding interesting modern Indian coins are higher. 



Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Investing in Good Quality Philatelic Supplies is a Trademark of Passionate Stamp Collectors!

Stamp collection is more than just a hobby for many. Non-collectors will not understand the joy of collecting stamps. Passionate collectors realise the importance of keeping stamps safe from any kind of moisture or dust. That is where good quality stamp collecting accessories come into the picture. There are many kinds of stamp collecting accessories that you would find in the market like stamp stockbooks, stamp binders, stamp stockpages. Depending on the requirement, you should select the most appropriate philatelic supplies. One should not go for cheap accessories as they might not last long. If these accessories are of poor quality, then there are chances that your stamps will not be protected well. Like they say, there is no point in crying over spilled milk, it is always better to be prepared for any kind of unfortunate events right from the beginning. A stitch in time saves nine. So, it is never too late to invest in good quality philatelic supplies so that the freshness of your priceless collection stays intact.


Image Courtesy: www.mintageworld.com
Many hobbyists do not value the seriousness of philately. Taking things lightly might sting you back in the long run. Take good care of rare stamps in your collection by storing them in stamp binders or stamp stockpages so that when you look at them after several years from now, they are still fresh and colourful. People who come to visit you and take a look at your collection will also have much more respect for you when they see your dedication. Fellow collectors will have more confidence in you and will easily trust you while handing over their stamps to you. Also, when you store your huge collection of stamps in an organised manner, the chances of losing any of them would be even less. Stamp collecting accessories bring in a quality of responsibility within you to ensure that the quality of your stamps never degrades with time.

Enjoying a hobby is one thing and taking it more seriously is another. Who knows you might find one of those rare stamps that not many posses. With dedication, discipline and patience, you can easily scale new heights in philately.

Monday, October 2, 2017

Unique themes to look out in Stamps of India

There are many ways in which you can study about India’s rich culture, history and tradition. The best way would be to collect stamps of India because they reflect different aspects of our past in a colorful way. For collectors who are interested in unique themes, Indian stamps are a dream to collect. Themes like important personalities, events, inventions etc are featured on rare Indian stamps. Over the years, the market for old Indian Stamps has increased due to the kind of unique themes that they follow. One of the themes is horses of India, another one depicts Himalayan flowers. There is a beautiful set of Indian stamps that portrays the evolution of Indian railways through the ages. Locomotive engines are also depicted on another set of lovely stamps in India. Some of the rare Indian stamps featuring Mahatma Gandhi have been sold for an impressive amount. Apart from rarity, the condition of stamps also matters when it comes to auctions. Avoid adding folded or soiled stamps to your collection, since other collectors wouldn’t be too keen on acquiring them.

India post keeps coming up with unique themes and topics. This maintains the excitement levels of those who collect stamps in India. PM Narendra Modi recently released a set of stamps depicting various aspects of Lord Rama and Ramayana, one of the greatest Indian epics. Then there are scented stamps of India which come with the odour of sandalwood, coffee and jasmine. If you are interested in collecting unique and rare Indian stamps, these amazing scented stamps would be a great add on for your collection. Generally, all stamps are either square shaped or rectangular. There are some uniquely shaped stamps in India like the hexagonal stamp featuring turtles. It is really an ocean out there if you are interested in collecting stamps of India. Keep looking out for these wonderful stamps and add value to your collection.

Monday, September 25, 2017

How study of coins from around the world can bring countries closer

We have all become so self-obsessed that we love living in our own small world. Nobody today wants to explore and go beyond the obvious. In times like these, when climate change and terrorism has affected most of us, there is a constant need to be compassionate towards other countries, traditions, religions and ideologies. For that to happen, one needs to open up horizons and start learning about world history. This will help us in understanding where certain thought processes emerge from and where the future of a particular country is headed. Studying coins of the world is a great way to closely understand world history. Coins from around the world give us a fair idea about the kings and emperors who ruled a particular location. It also helps us identify cultural as well as traditional influences that might have occurred due to invasions and conquests.
 
Many think that collecting world of coins is merely a pastime. It is definitely not the case for serious and passionate collectors of coins of the world. They are keener on understanding and analyzing the historical significance behind world coin collection. There is another set of collectors who are only interested in investing in valuable coins from around the world, simply to make some quick money. There should always be a larger motive behind collecting coins from around the world. By studying coins of the world you are bringing people from different countries together. There can be nothing better than uniting the world through a fun-filled hobby!

It is only when we start accepting each other as citizens of one world that we will realise the true importance of peace. Communal hatred and wars have destroyed nations completely taking the lives of thousands of innocent people every day. We need to draw the line somewhere and start respecting people and their beliefs, the way they are.  



Monday, September 18, 2017

Currency Notes of India are a reflection of our country’s past!

There are different ways in which you can study the evolution of a country like India. One of those ways is by studying Currency Notes of India , right from the time when they were first issued. Old notes of India include the ones that were issued by princely states like Hyderabad as well. Then there were some Indian Notes that were circulated by the different presidencies like Bombay, Madras and Bengal. These notes were valid only in specific territories that were created by the British East India Company for the ease of administration. Currency Notes in India also feature special security features that have changed with time. The latest notes of India come with world-class security features that reduce counterfeiting to a great extent. When you start collecting and learning about Indian Notes from different time periods, you get to analyze the economic situation during those days.

Only passionate collectors of Old Notes of India will understand the true joy of the hobby. Yes, you can make a lot of money by collecting Rare Notes of India, but money is not the only thing you should expect from the hobby. The sheer knowledge that you gain from pursuing a hobby like this is absolutely priceless. Apart from the historical significance behind Currency Notes in India, there are some collectors who are interesting in collecting Indian Notes which feature special serial numbers. These Notes of India are given different names like solid number note, super solid number note etc. based on the kind of serial number that the banknote features. You won’t always find historic Indian Notes. You have to be patient and look out for modern Rare Notes of India with special kind of serial numbers. That’s how you keep the excitement levels high in this hobby!
So get going and start collecting!
   

Monday, September 11, 2017

Why are Stamps of India so Popular?

There are many reasons why collectors from around the world love collecting Stamps of India. Being a country which is so diverse in terms of culture, traditions and history, there are a wide range of topics that are covered through Indian stamps. Youngsters can easily upgrade their knowledge about our country by studying old Indian stamps in detail. There are many stamps of India that celebrate your freedom fighters while there are many others which showcase the rich wildlife of our nation. If you are a topical collector then there are varied subjects that can be touched upon. Apart from that, there are some rare Indian stamps which have been sold for impressive rates by auction houses across the world. This shows the genuine interest among collectors for enhancing their collection of rare stamps of India. So, whenever you get a chance, add old Indian stamps to your collection and do what you can to protect them.


If you are a first time stamp collector, the best way to start collecting Indian stamps is by heading straight to the post office. You can take a look at the latest releases and select the ones which you like the most. All you will have to do is pay the postal rates. Once you can added your first set of old Indian stamps to your collection, you can start building your network by connecting with like-minded collectors. There are so many online groups and social media communities out there, that talking to someone from the other end of the world also seems extremely easy. You can then step out and visit those exhibitions which display rare Indian stamps to learn more about them. You could also refer books on philately where you might find some handy tips for collecting stamps in India. The options are limitless really; all you need are good intent, passion, discipline and patience!

Monday, September 4, 2017

Why are Old Indian Coins so desired among collectors?

Exhibitions and auction houses all over the world are always very excited about showcasing ancient Old Indian Coins. Have you ever wondered why? That’s because Indian Old Coins have rich historical stories behind them. If you have an old coin of India in your collection, then you should consider yourself to be extremely lucky. The value of Old Indian Coins appreciates over a period of time, depending on rarity and condition. Coins which are in great condition but are not very rare might not fetch you much in the future. That’s the reason why when you are looking to buy ancient Indian Coins, always check if they are rare. For that, you must accumulate a lot of knowledge about ancient Coins of India. There are several online portals where you can find Information on Old Indian Coins. Mintage World is one of the best websites where you can find well-categorized information about all kinds of Old Coins India. Once you know about the historical significance of an old coin of India, you have a better advantage over other dealers and collectors who simply collect coins.

The next point you should consider after rarity is condition. Rare Old Indian Coins with a clean strike and lustre is far more desired than ordinary ones. Since many Ancient Indian Coins were die struck, it is very difficult to find coins that depict obverse and reverse designs in totality. Silver coins generally have a tendency to oxidize when they come in contact with moisture in the air. It is always advised to place these coins inside good quality coin holders so that they remain fresh as ever. You wouldn’t want to face a situation where an interesting old coin of India that you posses loses its market value due to oxidation.
Last but not the least, even if you are looking to collect old Indian coins just as an investment, it is crucial to keep acquiring knowledge from time to time.
   

Monday, August 28, 2017

Find Unity in Diversity on Indian Coin

India is known for its Unity in Diversity. From languages to culture and tradition, India is a world in itself. That is the reason why foreigners from all over the world visit India time and again. We being Indians don’t really have an idea about the diverse traditions that are followed in different parts of the subcontinent. Apart from culture, each region has a unique historical significance. Each territory was ruled by various dynasties and emperors. Coins of India are a reflection of our vast history. By collecting coins in India, you can get a clear overview about the various dynasties that ruled the subcontinent.

Mintage World has a detailed and elaborate database on coins of India. The website offers images along with complete obverse and reverse descriptions that help researchers, numismatists and coin collectors in a great way. The information displayed is well-categorized, making browsing extremely simple. All you have to do is select a dynasty and keep searching for your favorite Indian coin. Knowledge is essential for every coin collector, and this website is where you will find everything you ever wanted to know about coins of India, under one single roof, on a single online platform. You wouldn’t have to visit multiple websites and check for authenticity when you are conducting your research here.

I believe that every Indian should be aware about our diverse cultures and rich historical traditions. Through the study of Indian coin you can get several interesting insights. Historians have been researching on Indian coins which allow them to take a scientific approach towards history. The inscriptions and beautiful designs found on ancient coins in India talk a lot about that particular era or that particular king. Even students and the youth should be introduced to the hobby of collecting Indian coins to a dash of fun while studying history. Start collecting Indian coin to understand about the diverse aspects of Indian history like never before.

Monday, August 21, 2017

Learn about Stamps of India and why it is an interesting hobby

Out of boredom arises hobbies that sometimes develop into a passionate affair, a sort of life calling occurs. During our childhood, we all engaged in hobbies that we daringly pursued, some liked to collect currency notes, some to collect Stamps of India and some to collect antique coins. No matter what the hobby, the hunger to know more should never diminish, that’s the key to a persistent hobby. Give your hobby wings to fly, it shouldn’t matter how weird your hobby is as long as you love it.

Indians wisely make use of their time and engaging in a fruitful hobby, is like finding your true self. Collecting stamps of India is one hobby that not many give their attention to, but once surrendered to it; marvel is what you’ll be. Stamps in India have an amazing history attached to it and when one takes it up as a hobby, one will certainly raise the bar as far as knowledge is concerned. Indian stamps have evolved quite a bit, from the ancient period to the modern times; they have enriched themselves in every era.

Aspiring stamp collectors will definitely be amazed at how old Indian stamps reflect Indian culture and how beautifully they have depicted the history of stamps of India. Collectors willing to gather rare stamps of India should build in themselves the three qualities necessary to become a successful stamp collector. First is an inquisitive mind, second is patience and third is to gain knowledge. Once these things are built, a stamp collector can enhance himself by attending various events where old Indian stamps find their shelter. Gradually, a stamp collector graduates to a mature level and gains a deeper understanding of stamps of India, and its history behind it.

Therefore, fire your hobby and turn it into a passion that is done for the joy of it and it’ll last forever.

Monday, August 14, 2017

A look at Indian Notes during the British rule


Every numismatist around the world must be considering taking a rebirth because one birth isn’t sufficient to learn about Indian Notes and coins. When the British East India Company came to India to explore business and trade opportunities, no one knew what their real intention was. Slowly, they began to dominate many parts of India and even took control of the Indian banks. Things began to favor the Britishers after the 1857 revolt as the British made the rupee the official currency of colonial India, with the head of King George VI replacing native designs on banknotes and coins.

It was in the year 1862, the Victoria portrait series of bank notes and coins came into existence and were issued to pay tribute to Queen Victoria. To ensure the notes were well protected, the notes of this series were cut in half, the first half was sent by post and the next sent later. However, the Notes of India during the British rule didn’t evolve as they wanted to keep a standard currency, that wasn’t complicated.

Just like a mountaineer who has his eyes set on the highest peak, a coin collector too has a goal attached to his heart and that is the never ending thirst to gain knowledge about Indian coins during the era of Kings. It was during the Mughal Period where coins transformed and various experiments were done on them. The currency notes of India after independence saw the minting of new denominations notes, some of high value. The RBI took full control of printing and design of Indian notes and many security features too were added to ensure counterfeiters don’t have their way. With the current government in power, the currency notes in India are definitely going to be one of the most powerful currencies of the world.



Monday, August 7, 2017

What to Look For While Collecting Ancient Indian Coins

There is a general human tendency to do away the old and welcome the new. This is great in certain situations but can snap back bad in certain other situations. Take for example the history and traditions of India. We are moving ahead in such a pace that we are fast forgetting the essence of true India. I believe that we should never forget where we come from and make an effort to stay connected to our roots. By learning about old Indian coins you can do just that almost perfectly. Thousands of emperors and rulers have issued various kinds of Ancient Indian Coins over the years. Each one of them is peculiar and shares a unique story. As a responsible Indian, it is our duty to understand the richness of our past. This will give us an objective outlook towards where we are headed in the future.

Right from ancient times, the Indian subcontinent has been the birthplace for different kinds of coinage. The history of ancient India is broadly classified into sixteen janapadas based on time periods and geographies. I feel extremely lucky for owning an old coin of India that belongs to the Magadha mauryan dynasty. Most collectors are curious of nature. We do not stop at simply collecting old coins of India. We feel satisfied only after we get to the depths of the history behind these Indian old coins. Even medieval India saw a revolution in coinage when Mughal and Maratha emperors issued beautiful coins. Who wouldn’t love to own a beautiful Ancient Indian Coin that was issued by Shahjahan featuring the sun signs? Some of these gold mohurs have been auctioned for impressive amounts at various auctions not only in India, but abroad as well. You can only imagine the kind of demand that old coins of India have throughout the world!

Monday, July 31, 2017

Innovative Rare Historical Stamps of India

Stamps of India have been a reflection of our country’s image. Over the years, ever since independence, they have portrayed various subjects that have defined our nation. From culture and traditions to famous personalities, inventions, wildlife and more, through the study of Indian Stamps one can get a complete overview of the diversity of India. Every part of the country is unique on its own, but all these colourful aspects make one beautiful rainbow of Indian culture. The very first Stamps of India depicted the national flag, tricolour. It also featured the patriotic slogan “Jai Hind” and was valued at three and one-half annas. An array of beautiful stamps has been released by India post till date. Interesting issues include the four aromatic or scented Rare Indian Stamps. The latest of the three featured coffee and smells like freshly picked coffee beans. The other two has the scent of sandalwood, roses and Jasmine.

One of the recent initiatives by India post has been that of a My Stamp idea. Through this programme, one can print stamps of their choice, featuring pictures of their choice. Now imagine your own picture on Rare Historical Stamps of India. Wouldn’t that be cool? Recently there were reports that Delhi Zoo collaborated with India Post to come up with an innovative idea. They thought of installing a My Stamp counter at the zoo where people can click a picture with their favourite animal in the zoo and get them printed on customized Indian Rare Stamps. Recent Rare Indian Postage Stamps that have been released on Children’s Day have also been special. A nation-wide drawing competition is held between children and the best paintings are selected for the stamp design.
Introducing the youth and children to Stamps in India can be a fun way for making them understand about the beauty of our country.  

Monday, July 24, 2017

Why Topical Collectors Love Rare Stamps of India


Topical stamps are favourites among collectors. Every collector loves following a particular theme for collecting stamps. Some like to collect stamps featuring flowers while there are many who are interested in stamps that depict prominent personalities. It all depends on a collector’s area of interest. As a collector you need to find your personal area of interest with time and tread along. It is very natural for someone who is a sportsman to collect stamps related to sports and sportsmen. Topical collectors will love Indian stamps since there are several themes that can be explored. Have you wondered why there are so many themes that Rare Stamps of India fall into? That’s because of what India is known for – Unity in Diversity. Our country is a land with so many traditions and cultures. Not just that, our history is thousands of years old. From mighty kings to the brave freedom fighters, there are so many riveting stories hidden in our past. There are many Rare Indian Stamps that commemorate these historical events and personalities. Various other Indian Stamps have been released over the years celebrating the diverse wildlife. From high snow-clad mountains to, dense forests, our geographical and climatic conditions are diverse as well.

 Old Indian Stamps are sought after world over because of their interesting and varied subjects. For those who want to understand our country, Indian Stamps serve like a mirror. They are a medium through which you would get closer to our vibrant and kaleidoscopic culture. As a kid, I was always amused by foreign stamps, but later when my uncle showed me his collection of amazing Indian Stamps, I was totally spellbound. I always encourage young collectors to look for interesting Old Stamps of India that will add a lot of value to their collection. In that process of collecting Indian stamps, they would also understand the vastness of our rich traditions, culture and history!