6 Interesting Antique Indian Coins Issued by Dutch and Danish Rulers

When it comes to Indian coinage from the colonial era, collectors are more inclined towards collecting rare coins of British India. There were many other European powers who issued rare coins in India. Let’s take a look at a few interesting colonial coins that were issued by the Dutch East India Company and Danish East India Company. 

Gold Pagoda of Dutch East India Company

These antique Indian coins were issued by the Dutch East India Company between the years 1747 and 1784. This gold pagoda was die-struck featuring a degenerated Vishnu, lazy "J" on the obverse and granulated designs on the reverse.

4 Cash Copper Coin of Dutch East India Company

These antique coins of India were issued by the Dutch East India Company and bore the denomination 4 Cash. They were die-struck in copper and featured the VOCX monogram along with letter N and digit 4 on the obverse. The reverse of these colonial coins featured Tamil text Nakapattanam.

1 Cash Lead Coin of Dutch East India Company

These antique India coins were die-struck by the Dutch East India Company in lead. They bore the denomination Cash and featured the N/VOC monogram on the Obverse while the reverse features the Tamil Legend in Two lines, Tamil "Nakapattanam".

1 Stuiver Copper Coin of Dutch East India Company

Here’s another example of antique Indian coins that was issued by the Dutch East India Company.  These copper coins bore the denomination Stuiver and were die-struck featuring the facing figure of God Kali on the obverse while the reverse depicts the Tamil inscription in two lines 'Nakapattanam'

1 Cash Lead Coin of Danish East India Company

These rare colonial coins were die-struck in lead by Danish East India Company during the regime of Christian IV. They bore the denomination cash and featured the texts DAN/NISB/ORG in three lines on the obverse while the reverse depicted the VOCD Monogram.

2 Cash copper coin of Danish East India Company

These antique coins of India were die-struck in Copper by Danish East India Company during the regime of Frederik V in 1761. They bore the denomination 2 Cash and featured the Crowned F5 Monogram, Block F on the obverse while the reverse featured a crowned DAC Monogram which divides date, 2 below.

Keep exploring more about the Rarest Coins of India that were issued by colonial powers other than the British East India Company and put together an impressive collection.

5 Interesting Antique Indian Coins from the Colonial Period

Antique coins of India struck by colonial powers such as Dutch East India Company, Danish East India Company and French East India Company are not commonly found among collectors. Let’s take a look at five beautiful antique Indian coins that were struck during the colonial Era today. 

Copper Stuiver of Dutch East India Company

These antique coins of India issued by the Dutch East India Company bear the denomination Stuiver and were die-struck on Copper. The obverse featured a front-facing figure of Goddess Kali while the reverse featured the Tamil inscription 'Nakapattanam' in two lines.



Gold Pagoda of Dutch East India Company

These beautiful antique Indian coins issued by Dutch East India Company were die-struck struck in gold somewhere between 1784 and 1794. They bore the denomination Pagoda and featured a degenerated Vishnu, out lazy "J" at three O'clock on the obverse. The reverse of these colonial coins was granulated.

2 Cash Copper Coin of Danish East India Company

These rare coins in India were issued by Danish East India Company during the reign of Frederik V in the year 1761. These antique coins of India bore the denomination 2 Cash and were die-struck in copper. The obverse featured a crowned F5 Monogram, Block F while the reverse features a crowned DAC Monogram which divides the date, and number 2 below.




Silver Rupee of French East India Company

These antique India coins were issued by French East India Company during the reign of Shah Alam II in the year 1218 and Regnal year 43. These silver rupee coins followed the AH calendar system and were Die Struck at Arcot Mint.  The obverse featured a Persian legend Shah Alam and a Couplet.

Silver Half Rupee of East India Company 

These rare coins of British India were die-struck in 5.83 grams of Silver by East India Company during the reign of William IV in 1835 AD at Calcutta Mint. They bore the denomination half rupee and had a diameter of 24.9 millimetres. The obverse featured the letter “F” raised on truncation. The obverse featured an effigy of King facing right and the divided legend: WILLIAM IIII, KING. The reverse of these antique Indian coins featured the value in English and Persian, 1/4 RUPEE within a wreath of laurel. Other texts include EAST INDIA COMPANY 1835.

Keep searching for these wonderful Antique Coins of India and do share pictures if you find any!

Collect Antique Coins of India to Become Financially Independent

There are some friends who keep asking me why I like collecting antique coins of India. When I tell them that I have been making a lot of money by investing in the rare coins in India, they do not even believe me. In today’s times, it takes a lot of courage to do something unconventional. I was doing a

nine-to-five job in an IT company, but was always passionate about collecting antique Indian coins. I also dreamt of becoming more independent financially some day. After working in the corporate sector for almost 4 years, I realized that a secured job is not my cup of tea. I analyzed my situation completely and also toyed with several start up ideas. Finally, it occurred to me that I can combine my passion for collecting rare Indian coins with my desire for complete financial independence. I decided to quit my job and invest some part of my savings for buying rare coins of British India.

Initially, I met with a lot of resistance from my family members and friends. They literally thought that I would end up becoming completely broke. But, I stood with my dream and kept on researching

about colonial coins and other rare coins in India. After I had built a considerably big collection of Interesting coins, I started looking for auction events and probable buyers. In my free time, I used to research about antique Indian coins so that I was aware about their market value. Every time I went to a dealer, I knew how much to quote because of my backing of sound knowledge. There have been instances when coin dealers have tried to fool me. However, I never fell in their trap because I knew the worth of my antique Indian coin collection.

When I look back today, I think I took the right decision at the right time. Some of my friends and family members who laughed at me back then, have a lot of respect for me today. So if you are really passionate about collecting rare coins in India, then you can always consider making it your profession.


    

How to Classify Antique Indian Coins like Colonial Coins

Antique coins of India have always been the favorites among numismatists and coin collectors all over the world. From ancient coins to rare coins of British India, each one of them has a lot of historical value and significance. Today, let us take a brief look at the colonial coins that were issued when the Indian subcontinent was under the reign of different foreign powers. Rare coins in India that were struck during this time period have been sold at auction houses for handsome amounts. If we have to broadly classify these antique Indian coins, then we can categorize them as follows: Dutch East India Company, Danish East India Company, French East India Company, British Colony, Madras Presidency coins, Bengal Presidency coins, Bombay Presidency coins, British India, Indo-Portuguese, Kingdom of Portugal, Republic of Portugal and Ceylon. Surprised to know about so many categories? Many collectors have a misconception that colonial coins are the coins that are issued only under British India, which is incorrect.

 With so many options available, you can look towards enhancing your collection of antique Indian coins by making it more diverse and unique. Rare coins of British India produced during the East India Company days can be broadly classified as those that were issued under Queen Victoria (1838 to 1853) and the ones that were issued under William IV (1837 -1837). After that, India was divided into presidencies for administrative purposes. These three presidencies, namely Bombay, Bengal and Madras, started issuing their own coins. These were followed by British India coins that were issued under various rulers like Victoria Queen, Victoria Empress, Edward VII, George V and GEORGE VI.  Indi-Portuguese old coins of India were struck under the regime of various kings and emperors like, Alfonso VI, Joao, Pedro IV, Pedro III, etc.  There is so much to explore really.

Yes, it is very difficult to own the rarest coins of India as they have a high demand and are extremely expensive. However, you can definitely keep growing your collection by adding other coins that belong to various other rarely-known and unique categories.  Once you start reading about the above mentioned categories, you will definitely know what to look for!

Why is there a Demand for Antique Coins of India?

Antique objects have a charm of their own. They are preserved over a period of several years and become even more attractive as they keep aging. There is huge group of people across the world which is very interested in collecting antique coins of India. They are in great demand in the world of numismatics because of their historical significance. Some of the rarest coins of India including rare coins of British India have been sold by auction houses for a lot of money. That’s the reason why antique Indian coins sometimes are collected for investment purposes. Businessmen and dealers buy these rare coins in India and sell them off after a few years when their value appreciates.

Rare coins of British India come under a wide category of colonial coins. Coins minted under the
Another important aspect about collecting antique Indian coins is the source of information. Make sure that you are not learning the wrong things by referring the wrong source of Information. Always take a second opinion from experts before purchasing the rarest coins of India.  Some of these experts have been in this field for several years which is why they would notice something in a coin which you might have not noticed. Even they would have committed mistakes during the starting years, which is why sharing knowledge with younger collectors develops goodwill within the community.
So it is time to start building your collection of antique Indian coins right away.

regime of France, Dutch, Portuguese rules also come under this category. If you want to start collecting antique Indian coins, then select a category of your choice and study about them deeply. Research is something that gives you an upper hand in this field of numismatics. When you are backed by knowledge, then you are sure that no dealer can ever fool you. Many a times the value of certain antique coins of India is increased on purpose even though they are not rare. If you have done your research about rare coins of British India, then you can you will never buy common coins at a higher value.

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!

Passion Makes Me Want To Collect Antique Indian Coins

No matter how hard you try, a true collector will always find a way to stay in touch with his or her passion. Same is the case with me really. I have been collecting antique Indian coins since I was 10 years old. Today, I am 55 years old and still get as excited as a child when I hear about rare colonial coins of India. There is something about the hobby that keeps you young at heart always. Knowledge and an urge to keep learning new things bring in excitement in your life. The moment you start acting as if you know it all, you are going towards a dead end. I believe that knowledge is infinite; it all depends upon how deep you want to get into the subject. From the day I started reading about antique coins of India, I realised that numismatics is like an ocean that keeps growing bigger when you start exploring the depths of a certain topic. 

Like most other collectors of antique coins India, I too specialise in a certain type of coins called rare coins of British India. Many people think that “colonial coins” means the coins that were issued exclusively by the Britishers in India. The fact is not really true though. India was under the colonial rule of many other European countries like France, Dutch, Portugal etc. Each of them had their own territories and issued coins as well featuring different kinds of designs. Even though I am not someone who is a full time coin collector, I make it a point to devote some time for it at least every day for my hobby. It could be literally as less as half an hour or so, but something makes me want to read about colonial coins even today. 

Money has never been a motivation for me when it comes to collecting rarest coins of India. It has purely been my passion for knowing more and more about colonial coins that keeps me going.

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.