Factors that Collectors Miss while Collecting Colonial Coins

There are many collectors who randomly collect Colonial Coins. They don’t even know the history behind them or look at the specifics. A true collector will try to build his or her collection in a unique way. They will follow a theme and collect coins that fall into that specific theme. Colonial coins is one such theme that you can follow when it comes to Indian coins. Apart from Britishers, the Portuguese, Dutch and French also set up their colonies in India. You will find colonial coins belonging to each of these regimes as well. Most collectors will collect British coins when it comes to colonial coins. Very few know about the fact that many beautiful coins were struck by the French, Dutch and Portuguese as well. If you really want to be different, then you should have the eye and taste for it. Keep looking out; you never know when you will get really lucky in this hobby.

Apart from themes, there are several other factors that you need to consider if you are new to this hobby. The first thing is rarity. Always remember that antique Indian coins that are rarer have a greater value in the market. Why are some coins rarer than others? This is mostly because these Indian Antique Coins are struck in smaller numbers. Some rulers reigned for lesser number of years, due to which coins that are issued under them would obviously be rarer. Only if you keep updating your knowledge about the kind of coins that you are collecting, would you know which coins are rare and which ones are not.

Some experts also say that you should buy the book before you purchase a coin. This way you are also keeping yourself engaged in some way or the other. Apart from that, you wouldn’t want to be embarrassed when someone walks up to you and asks details about a coin from your collection.  

Revive History by Collecting Antique Indian Coins

They say that there is no place for the old when New arrives. All we are left behind with sometimes are some sweet memories! Collecting antique Indian coins also has a metaphor of some sort here. India has had an amazing history which many of us today do not respect. We are busy following western traditions and forgetting our roots. How can a tree grow without strong roots? I think there is a need for young Indians to indulge in a hobby like collecting Antique Indian Coins so that they are aware of our fascinating past. If we keep moving in a fashion like we are today, very soon people will also start forgetting their own mother tongues. What India is known for today, “unity in diversity” will only become a thing of our past. Study of antique Indian coins helps us revive the past and stay rooted in some sense.

If you are someone who is new to numismatics, then there is no need to worry. Pick up any particular theme of coins and simply go for it. For example you can start with colonial coins of India. “Colonial Coins” is a term given to coins that were issued when India was under the colonial rule, like England, Portuguese etc. All the antique coins of India have a unique story to say about the era in which they were issued. They have names of rulers, dates and some beautiful inscriptions. Unlike other countries, antique Indian coins go back to the ancient times. Apart from colonial coins, you can also slowly start studying about these lovely ancient coins of India that were issued by different janapadas. 

Many are under the misconception that numismatics is a very costly hobby. Many antique coins of India are not very rare. Also there is no need to start collecting gold coins; you can also buy silver or bronze coins which are very affordable in the market.