Friday, February 24, 2017

Luck vs Dedication While Collecting Ancient Indian Coins



Yes, luck does play a very important role in our lives. At times when we expect the least, life presents us with something to cheer about. These little celebrations stay with us for a long long time. But, luck chases those who dedicatedly follow a dream. Same is the case with collecting Ancient Indian Coins. Every collector goes through a lull period when they do not find what they are exactly looking for. Some have to even wait for years just to find one of those most desired old Indian coins. Patience pays off really well though. This hobby is not for the restless kinds. In fact, if you truly enjoy numismatics then you would enjoy the process of finding ancient Indian coins. 


Some ancient Indian coins are easily available in the market because they were issued in a large scale. But, some old Indian coins on the other hand are extremely rare since only a few of them were minted back then. It is really a challenge to acquire these rare ancient Indian coins. If you are a hardcore collector then you will accept this challenge and wait for several years just to find that coin you are seeking. The beauty of the hobby is not just the fact that they can fetch you a lot of money by selling them at auctions a few years from now, but the fact that you get to learn so many interesting aspects of Indian history in the process. The knowledge you gain is priceless. The money you make out of collecting old Indian coins is nothing when compared to this knowledge you acquire.

As they say, when you are passionate about something, the entire universe conspires for you to attain what you always desired. Like all things in life that are tough to attain or achieve, the idea is to keep at it, no matter what!

Monday, February 20, 2017

How Coins India reduced my stress levels!



Sometimes, there are moments in life that make us feel down. Stagnation creeps in and there is nothing as such to look forward to. All we desire are ways in which we can stay relaxed and bring back that smile on our face. Pursuing an interesting hobby is extremely satisfying which helps us channelize our energies into something that keeps us excited. Other activities like watching movies, working out at a gym, listening to movies or playing a sport can also release that tension. I somehow got hooked on to collecting Coins India. And there is a story behind how I got inclined towards collecting Indian coins. 


I must confess that I was always stressed before I started collecting coins in India. Work pressure, family responsibilities were some of the reasons behind this mounting stress levels. I did not pay attention to this in the beginning, but later I started feeling lethargic and my energy levels started declining. I went to a doctor and found out that I had a blood pressure problem. I was only 35 and I felt that there is something seriously wrong with me. Though those were just initial days, I did not want situations to go out of control. I wanted to start a hobby and started wondering what I was always interested in as a kid. Then it struck me that history was a subject that I totally loved in school. I joined the dots and realised that I should start collecting Coins India. I immediately joined various facebook groups that are into Coins India and upgrading my knowledge. I looked around, but I could not find anybody among my friends or family members who are into Indian coins. So I did not wait. I made a few facebook friends randomly and met a few of them as well.
There was no looking back from there. I kept on researching about coins India and making more online friends. Slowly but steadily I started growing my collection of coins in India. If you truly want to do something, there is nothing that can stop you really. Also, my stress levels have gone down considerably and my BP is also under control.

Friday, February 17, 2017

The Evolution of Currency Notes In India



Indian notes have evolved over the years. Both in terms of designs and sizes, Currency Notes In India can take you through a beautiful journey. From east India company notes to the latest 2000 rupees notes when you sit down and study various Indian notes that have been issued over the centuries, you will open yourself up to the rich history of India. Before the colonization of India, currency notes were not issued by kings and emperors in the medieval era. You will not find currency notes in India that were issued by the Mughals or the Marathas. After trade started flourishing in the 18th century, India was slowly colonised by the East India Company and other European countries. For administrative purposes three different presidencies were formed – Bengal Presidency, Bombay Presidency and Madras Presidency. Indian notes were issued by each of these three presidencies. 


Apart from England, India was also under the Dutch, French and the Portuguese rule. Some really beautiful currency notes in India were issued under these colonial powers as well. Did you know that many uniface Indian notes were also issued back then? “Uniface notes” means that there was a design only on one side; the other side was basically left blank. 

Apart from the designs and sizes, another major aspect that has changed over the years is security features on currency notes in India. Counterfeiting has been prevalent since many years now. But with the advent of technology, forgeries have become easier as well. There is a constant need to increase security features on currency notes in India. The recent decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to demonetize 500 rupees and 1000 rupees Indian notes was not just to curb black money but also to tab counterfeiting activities that has been funding terrorist organizations as well. Form uniface colonial Indian notes to the latest violet coloured 2000 rupee note, currency notes in India have many exciting stories to narrate.

Monday, February 13, 2017

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.

Friday, February 10, 2017

How My Hobby Of Collecting Indian Notes Made Me Stress Free!



There are many interesting things to do in life which takes you out of your mundane and boring routine. What is the point in spending all your life doing something that does not make you happy? Amidst all the stress around you, there are moments when you want to break free and indulge in something that makes you smile and stay relaxed. Hobbies are a good escape that reduces stress levels to a great extent. There are scientific studies that have proved that people who take their hobbies more seriously are have lesser stress levels. Stress is one of the biggest causes of new age illnesses like hypertension, blood pressure, obesity, etc. Some like to play an instrument and others like to read books. There are many other kinds of interesting hobbies that people around the world are into. One such hobby is collecting banknotes. I know of some collectors who are passionate about collecting Indian Notes. What I like about them is that they are so enthusiastic about everything they do. I had never imagined that I would meet people who are so keen about collecting currency notes of India


I was cleaning my bike under my building when I saw a group of middle-aged men discussing something very important. When I went ahead to take a closer look, I found them holding their collections of Indian notes. I felt a bit awkward at first but slowly I was sucked into their conversations. I introduced myself and they did the same as well. They said that they have been collecting currency notes of India since 7 years now. I asked them how they go about doing all this. They said that they are not doing it full time, but they meet at least once in two weeks and discuss about whatever Indian notes they found or collected over the fortnight. When I first looked at their collection of currency notes of India, I was not very impressed. Then they asked me to take a closer look at the serial numbers. I noticed that these numbers had a particular pattern. When they explained more about the Indian notes that they collected, I was even more surprised.  

From that day onwards, I became a new comer to the field of collecting Indian notes. There has been no looking back ever since then! I am happier today; I have something to fall back to in times of stress, all thanks to that one meeting!