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!
   

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

How Postcard Accessories are valuable to a collector

Memories are to be cherished as no one ever wants them to fade away. Postcards are one of those things that are truly personal, they are feelings and emotions wrapped in a thick paper that have the capability to touch hearts. There are many people who collect postcards from different countries that are significant in their own special way. Some have interesting designs while some beautifully depict a country’s culture and tradition. But sometimes, people can get a little careless and may lose their postcards and therefore it becomes very important to have postcard accessories by your side.

Image Courtesy: www.mintageworld.com
Postcard collectors highly value their postcards and try different types of postcard accessories to preserve their collection. Travelers of the world always get fascinated by foreign countries, their cultures, traditions, customs and their history. However, postcards also play an important role in showcasing a country’s true character. Thus, it becomes very necessary to take care of them and this gives rise to postcard albums to guard them. New methods are always cropping up to safeguard postcards and even the online market has a wide range of products to preserve postcards. One way of ensuring your postcards remain safe is by using postcard plastic pockets.

Postcard collecting supplies are available online at an amazing price, making it a sort of a paradise for postcard collectors. Therefore, collectors should not delay any further and buy all the best quality postcard collecting supplies before it’s too late. The online market definitely offers a lot to its consumers as they truly understand how valuable accessories are to them. These accessories are really of durable quality and they can withstand anything. Hence, prioritize all your postcards and nurture them with care. Some people are truly passionate about their collection and leave no stone unturned in exploring different postcards of the world. It is just not a hobby anymore; it has become an intense passion. So, aspiring postcard collectors give your hobby wings and you’ll see how far you can fly. Also, make sure your postcards are well protected. 

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.



Saturday, August 12, 2017

Why Professional Coin Collector Should Invest In Quality Coin Collecting Supplies

The difference between an amateur and a professional is nothing but the way in which one conducts oneself. An amateur will not take his tasks at hand seriously and will do things without following the set rules. Same is the case with the hobby of coin collecting. There are several coin collectors across the world; some of them are serious about pursuing their hobby, while there are others who are doing it to pass their time. Many of them are not even aware about the benefits of collecting coins. There have been several instances where an ancient coin has been sold for millions of dollars. Apart from that, the hobby is not just about collecting coins or making a lot of money. It is also about enriching your knowledge about history and traditions. If you want to take this hobby more seriously then you should have good quality coin collecting supplies with you as well. This will keep coins safe from all kinds of moisture or dust. Let us find out why it is so important to buy branded coin collecting accessories.

Image Courtesy: www.mintageworld.com
Coin grading is a process that is undertaken by recognised agencies. These agencies grade coins based on various international standards. Coins which are highly graded naturally have a better market value than the ones which are averagely graded. Whenever you add a new coin to your collection, always make sure that you are maintaining the quality of coins by storing them safely in coin collecting supplies like coin albums, coin pages, coin capsules, coin holders, coin storage boxes etc. Today, you don’t need to even make an effort to visit markets to buy coin collecting supplies. You can instead directly buy good quality coin collecting accessories online with just a few clicks. There is no way you can put the blame on your busy schedule. It has become so easy that you can order the best coin collecting accessories online using your mobile phones even when you are on the move!

The reason why you should invest in branded accessories is that they are much more durable than the local ones that you find in the market. These coin collecting supplies will make sure that the quality of your coins remains intact even after several years.

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!