Postcard Accessories that will Engage You in a Relaxing Hobby

A few decades ago, when modern communication systems such as telephones and internet were not even invented, people used to write letters to each other from their heart. Youngsters from this generation cannot really experience the joy of writing letters. Postcards were a more evolved means of communication as plain letters can sometimes be very bland. Postcards contain a picture on one side generally and a few lines to write your message along with the recipient’s address. They were not enclosed before mailing it across and were a preferred choice when it’s about short messages. Just like there is a huge community of people who like collecting postage stamps, there are hobbyists who like collecting postcards as well. Serious collectors treasure their valuable collectibles in postcard accessories, so that they remain fresh for a long period of time.

Image Courtesy: www.mintageworld.com

There are other passive collectors who do not understand the importance of investing in quality postcard collecting supplies. It is true that collecting postcards is not as lucrative as collecting coins or stamps as very few postcards are auctioned. However, one must respect the hobby by storing postcards in a postcard storage album or postcard plastic pockets. These postcards accessories not only ensure that your collection stays away from dust or moisture, but also helps in organising your collection effectively. Postcard collecting supplies like a postcard album or postcard plastic sleeves manufactured by well-known brands such as Lighthouse are extremely durable as they are made of high-quality material. You must prefer these brands over local brands.

Every time you visit a new place with family or friends, you can buy a postcard that has symbolic elements related to that particular destination. There is something about postcards that you will never find in photographs. It’s the perfect memoir that will always remind you about the wonderful times you spent exploring a place. You can also write something interesting on these postcards so that you can recollect exactly how you felt when you were visiting a new city. When you are back from a trip, remember to safely store valuables in quality postcard accessories.

In times when your attention span is reducing day by day, engage in a hobby that slows you down a bit in the comfort of your sweet memories.

Two Wonderful Notes of India from Colonial Period worth Collecting

The history of Indian notes will take you back to the times when India was under the British Regime. These Amazing old notes of India feature interesting designs and have a lot of stories to say. Let’s learn about two interesting notes of India, one which was issued by East India Company and the other which was issued by British India.

5 Company Rupees of Bengal Presidency  

These old Indian notes bore the denomination 5 Company Rupees and were printed on handmade White paper by the Bank of Bengal for circulation within Bengal Presidency during the colonial times. They were known as Uniface notes because they featured designs only on one side. The year date on these rectangular banknotes of the dimension 15cm X 28 cm was absent.
The vignette on these notes of India appeared on both sides in vertical panels and featured an Elephant with its Mahout. The text 'Union Bank' appears in English, Devanagari, Persian, and Bangla while the text 'Union Bank, Calcutta' appears in English on these old notes of India. The English text 'Calcutta' is surrounded by denomination in words in English, Bangla, Persian, and Hindi. The denomination appears in Roman, Devanagari, Persian, and Bangla numeral in corner panels of these currency notes of India. The Central Panel features Promise Text, Manuscript date, Manuscript serial number, Denomination in English, Devanagari, Bangla, and Persian numerals, 'Entd. By' manuscript signature, and 'Cashier' signature. The Watermark depicts the Ashokan Pillar. The text “on demand” appears before Promise text.

500 Rupees Uniface Note Featuring Queen Victoria

These rare notes of India were issued for Calcutta circle and bore the denomination 500 rupees. They were known as Uniface notes as they featured designs only on one side. They were printed on handmade white paper and featured a portrait of Queen Victoria.
The obverse of these currency notes in India featured a Profile portrait of Queen Victoria in a floral wreath; 'Government of India'; Serial numbers with prefix, promise text; Denomination in words in Bangla and Persian; Circle between printed mirrored dates on either side; Denomination in numerals in Persian and Bangla; The name of Sub-Circle is an overprint; Hand stamped signature at the time of issue 'For The Government Of India; Denomination panel in numerals and words.
The watermark of these old Indian notes depict the text GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, denomination in words and numerals, signature of Sir James Wilson, the finance member of legislative Council, signature of Lord canning, the Governor General. There are wavy lines in central promise text panel as well.

It is very difficult to find these beautiful Currency Notes in India with so much historical value. If you have similar Indian notes in your collection, do let us know!

Invest in Banknote Collecting Supplies to Make Money Out of a Hobby

Collecting banknotes can be a lucrative hobby if you are really keen on pursuing it seriously. There are many who take up this hobby along with their daily profession for an extra source of income. However, you must follow certain rules of the hobby if you want to make money out of it. The most important rule is to take good care of your collection using banknote collecting supplies. 

Why Store Notes Safely?
Unlike coins, banknotes get damaged more easily, which is why it is essential to store your valuable collectibles in banknote accessories. When a banknote comes in contact with moisture or dust of any kind, their life starts deteriorating slowly. When you store your precious currency notes in banknote album, you are ensuring that they never get degraded in any way. If your banknote collection album is completely full and you don’t want to buy a new one, then you can buy good quality banknote sleeves instead.

Image Courtesy: www.mintageworld.com

Condition is the Key
Just like property rates, the value of rare banknotes keeps on appreciating with time. Collectors invest a lot of money in rare currency notes and wait for its market price to increase. It might take several years for the value of a rare note to shoot up considerably. However, during this long waiting-period, you must maintain the condition of your banknotes by storing them in banknote collecting supplies. If you are careless and store your notes haphazardly, then there are chances that you might fold or tear them accidentally. As they say, there is no point in crying over spilled milk, so it is much wiser to be extra-cautious right from the beginning. 

Go for Quality
There are many brands that produce different kinds of banknote accessories. Always choose good brands like Lighthouse over local brands as the former ones are much more durable. Apart from that, good brands use quality materials to manufacture their products, which will in turn help you take better care of your valuable banknotes.

So discover a hobby that will generate revenue and don’t forget to maintain the condition of your banknotes by storing them in branded Banknote Collecting supplies.

Medieval coins of Vijayanagara – Tuluva, Bikaner Princely state and Sultans of Madura

Coins of medieval India are found in so many different varieties that you will be truly amazed! The most popular medieval period coins of India are the ones that were issued during the Mughal period and the ones struck under the regime of Maratha Kings. However, if you really want to learn in depth about history of Medieval India, then you will have to research about the different categories of Medieval India coinage. Coins in Medieval India can be broadly classified into five different categories namely, Sultans, Mughals, Independent Kingdoms, Indian Princely states and Hindu Kingdoms. Let’s explore some examples from these varieties.

You must have heard of famous dynasties which ruled Delhi Sultanate like Mamluk, Khilji, Tughluq, Suri etc. but many of us might not be aware about the Sultans of Madura. Ghiyat Al Din Muhammad Damghan Shah was one of the rulers from this dynasty whose reign lasted for a short period of four years, from 1340 to 1344. Here’s one of the beautiful medieval coins of India that was issued under his regime in 744 AH. This extremely rare Gold Tanka weighs around 11.8 to 11.9 grams and was Die-Struck at Daulatabad. These exquisite medieval period coins featured the Persian legend Al Sultan Al Azam Shams Al Dunya Wa'd Din Abu'l Muzaffar Ibrahim Shah Al Sultan Khulidat Mamlakatahu on the obverse. The reverse of these medieval coins of India featured the legend Sikandar Al Sani Yamin Al Khilafa Nasir Amir Al Mominin along with Date at in margins and mint name.

Sadashivaraya was the ruler of Vijayanagara - Tuluva from 1542 to 1568. These Gold Pagodas are considered to be one of the most artistic coins in Medieval India.  They weigh around 3.4 grams and have a diameter of 11 to 12 millimetres. They belong to the Vishnu and Lakshmi series of Vijayanagara - Tuluva coins.  The obverse design of these lovely medieval coins of India featured Vishnu and Lakshmi sitting on a raised seat. Vishnu is holding a discus in his right hand while a conch in his left hand. The reverse depicted the Devanagari Legend "Sri Pra / ta pa Sa da si / va ra ya" in three lines.


Sardar Singh ruled Bikaner Princely state from 1851 to 1872. During his regime, he issued some extremely rare medieval period coins. This 1/4 Rupee copper coin weighs around 2.67 to 2.90 grams and has a diameter of 18 to 21 millimetres. These round or irregular shaped medieval coins of India were die struck at Bikanir Mint and followed the Anno Hijri Calendar system. The obverse featured name and title of Alamgir, AH date and a lined upright leaf, while the reverse featured Mint marks and a Persian legend.

 Keep looking out for these stunning Medieval Period Coins of India and do share pictures of your collection!

Three Stunning Independent India Stamps from Three Different Categories

Indian postage stamps issued before independence depicted portraits of Kings and Queens. However, Independent India Stamps present fascinating varieties for collectors. From the First Stamp of Independent India featuring the national flag to the latest Ramayan stamps, each and every issue share valuable information about different aspects of vibrant India. Stamps of Independent India can be classified into five major groups namely, military issues, commemorative issues, republic definitive stamps, miniature sheets and se-tenant stamps. Let’s explore some wonderful stamps from three of these categories.

3 Paise Military Issue Featuring Ajanta Panel 

This Violet Grey coloured 3 paise definitive stamp featuring the Ajanta Panel was issued on 17th October 1953 using the typography process. These military stamps were issued for the Indian soldiers who were assigned the mission to keep 22,959 prisoners of war of different countries under custody in Korea, and work on their repatriation or disposal. The main objective was to maintain international peace in the Korean peninsula that was affected by war. These Independent India stamps had a perforation of 14 unites and featured several stars as its watermark. The overprint text read Bhartiya Samraksha Cutuck Korea in Hindi.  

12 Annas Commemorative Stamp Celebrating 1st Asian Games 

These bright violet coloured 12 Annas commemorative stamps were issued on 4th March 1951 to celebrate the first Asian games. 2.4 million such stamps were printed at the India Security Press, in Nasik using the Offset Lithography technique. These amazing stamps of Independent India had a perforation of 14 units and depicted many stars as its watermark. The design depicted a hand holding a burning torch. The first Asian Games was hosted by India in New Delhi from 4th to 11th March 1951.

3 Annas Sanchi Stupa Definitive Stamp

These definitive 3 Annas Independent India stamps were issued on 15th August 1949. These Brown-orange coloured stamps depicted the east gate of Sanchi Stupa.  They were printed at the India Security Press in Nasik and belonged to the first series named “2nd Anniversary of Independence Archaeological & Historical Monuments”. These stamps of India have a perforation of 13 units and depicted four stars as its watermark.  Situated in Madhya Pradesh, Sanchi Stupa was build under the regime of emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE and is one of the oldest stone structures in India.

Apart from the above mentioned stamps of Independent India, there are several other themes and varieties that can be explored in depth.