Four British India Stamps from 4 Different Categories

British India Stamps can be broadly classified into four groups namely, British India Official, British India Definitive & Commemorative, China Expeditionary Force and Indian Expeditionary Force. Let’s take a look at one example from each of these four categories today.

British India Official

This is one of the Definitive British India stamps featuring Victoria Queen issued in the year 1866. This Purple-coloured stamp had a denomination of 8 Annas and were printed at the Military Orphanage Press in Calcutta using the typography technique. These fiscal stamps were overprinted and/or surcharged in Green on Foreign bill stamps. The top and bottom inscriptions portions were cut out. These definitive stamps of British India had a perforation of Imperf x perf 14. The Watermark on this Vertical Rectangle stamp featured a Crown over the text "INDIA". The term "SERVICE" was at the top while 'POSTAGE' was at the bottom.


 British India Definitive & Commemorative

This is one of the definitive old British India stamps featuring a portrait of Queen Victoria issued in the year 1854. This blue coloured square shaped east India company stamp bore the denomination of 1/2 Anna and 30 million such stamps were printed in Calcutta using the Lithography technique. These stamps were imperforated and depicted the Arms of East India Company sideways as the watermark.


 China Expeditionary Force

These Definitive stamps of British India featured a portrait of Victoria Queen and were issued from 1900 to 1904. These Purple/Red coloured stamps had a face value of 12 Annas and were overprinted by Government Press in Calcutta. They were basically used by the China Expeditionary force. From 23rd July to 15 August 1900, These British India stamps were issued without an overprint. After that, Victorian, Edwardian & George V stamps were overprinted with the letters "C.E.F". They were used by Indian Army personnel who were deployed to curtain the boxer rebellion in China. These old British India stamps had a perforation of 14 units and featured a star-shaped watermark.

 
Indian Expeditionary Force

These definitive old British India Stamps were issued in the year 1914 depicting a portrait of King George V. These lovely Olive-Green stamps had a face value of 4 Annas and were overprinted by the Government Press in Calcutta. These amazing British India stamps were overprinted with the letters I.E.F. They were basically used by the Indian Army Forces which were deployed in other countries during 1st World War. They were used for the first time in France in September 1914, and then in East Africa, Mesopotamia & Turkey. They had a perforation of 14 units and featured a star shaped watermark.

There are many more interesting Varieties of British India Stamps within each of these categories which you can pursue collecting.

Learn About the Different Categories of Indian Coins Before You Start Collecting

Coins of India come in innumerable varieties and it is almost impossible to study them if we don’t have a clear understanding of their categories. Whenever you add a new Indian coin to your collection, research about its variety first and then dig deep into its history. The more knowledge you acquire about coins In India, the better your collection would be. Let’s take a look at the major categories and sub-categories of Indian coins today.

Ancient Coins of India
The first level of categorisation is based on time period namely, ancient, medieval, colonial and modern. Ancient coins of India can be further classified as coins issued by Janapadas, the ones issued by Indian Empires, Kingdoms or Dynasties, Ancient Indian coins from the southern part of the subcontinent, coins struck by Ancient invaders and finally the coins produced by ancient city states of India.

Medieval Period Coins of India
Medieval India coins can be further classified as coins issued under the Delhi Sultanates and other sultans, Medieval India coins issued by the Mughal Empire, coins struck by the Indian princely states and coins produced by Hindu Empires and dynasties like Marathas, Vijayanagar etc. during the medieval period.

Indian Coins from Colonial Period
Colonial coins of India are the ones that were struck under European powers and trading companies like Dutch East India Company, Danish East India Company, French East India Company, East India Company, Madras Presidency Coins, Bengal Presidency Coins, Bombay Presidency Coins, British India, Indo-Portuguese, Kingdom of Portugal, Republic of Portugal and Ceylon.

Republic Coins of India
Finally we have the modern coins in India that were issued and circulated after India got
independence from the British Regime on 15th August 1947. These coins can be further classified into two groups namely, Anna series coins of India and republic India coins that follow a decimal coinage system.

Each of the subcategories mentioned above can be further divided based on the names of rulers and dynasties. Now you can imagine how vast Indian numismatics is. The idea is to keep researching about each of these varieties so that you can build an impressive Collection of Indian Coins. Pick up a category of your choice and start building a series based on its subcategories.

Provide Stamp Collecting Supplies to Kids for Reviving the Hobby

Stamp collecting is a hobby that people from different generations like to pursue. There was a time when youngsters loved collecting stamps. The situation has changed today as the interest seems to be diminishing among the youth. It’s very important to review the joyful hobby so that children understand different aspects about India and other countries as well through the study of postage stamps. They also need to be taught that it is important to use quality stamp collecting supplies to take care of their valuable collection. Only when you invest in the right kind of stamp collecting accessories, will you able to protect old stamps from dust and moisture.

Different kinds of philatelic supplies are available in the market these days. You also have the option to buy them online. Children will naturally get more serious about the hobby when you buy them a good quality stamp collection album. Always take interest and observe their collection on a timely basis. Make sure that they never run short of any stamp stockbooks, stamp binders or stamp stockpages. When you start taking interest and guide them regularly, children will become more responsible and will take efforts in safeguarding their collection using different kinds of stamp collecting supplies.

Image Courtesy: www.mintageworld.com

Stamp collecting accessories are manufactured by many local brands as well. However, they do not have a range of quality philatelic supplies. Choose brands like Lighthouse which is number one worldwide for producing stamp collection albums, stamp stockbooks and many other such items by using good quality material. These stamp collecting accessories will definitely last longer than the ones manufactured by local brands. Moreover, children will take extra care when they know that they are using the best stamp collecting supplies. They would invariably start enjoying the hobby much more.

Children need your care and support. As parents, it is your responsibility to help them engage in hobbies that not only bring in joy but also increase their general knowledge. Without your support, it is very difficult to revive this hobby. So, buy stamp collecting supplies for your children and encourage them continuously. The future of philately lies in your hands. 

Five Antique Indian Coins That You Can Buy Online

Collectors all over the world are fascinated by antique coins of India due to their historical significance and variety. Let’s take a look at some interesting old Indian coins that you can buy online.

Five Kori Kutch Princely State Silver Coin  

This Five Kori Silver coin was issued by Kutch Princely state in 1936. This 13.87 g coin was minted under the regime of Khengarji III at Bhuj Mint. The obverse features a Crescent, Trident and Katar, value, mint name and date 1993, and legends around.  The reverse features a Persian legend and date 1936 with a wreath surrounding the inner inscriptions. If you are looking for Indian coins for sale, then you should definitely consider this beautiful coin.

King George V One Rupee 1919 Silver Coin

This One Rupee silver coin was minted under the regime of King George V at Bombay Mint.  The 11.66 g coin was issued in the year 1919 and featured a crowned bust of the king on the obverse with the inscription GEORGE V KING EMPEROR. The reverse featured the denomination and date with a wreath surrounding the inscriptions at the centre. You can search for trustworthy websites that offer these vintage coins for sale.       

Hyderabad Princely State 1 Rupee Coin

This round-shaped silver rupee was issued at Hyderabad Mint. The obverse of this 10.7 - 11.6 g coin features a legend with the name of Muhammad Shah while the reverse features a Julus Formula.  Since you can now Buy Coins Online, it is not too difficult to acquire this wonderful coin.


 
 Copper Coin of Indore Princely state

This Quarter Anna copper coin of Indore Princely state was issued under the regime of King George V. This 6.2-6.6 g coin was struck at Indore mint with an obverse featuring a Bull in the centre while king's name, title and mint around the central design.  The reverse features the denomination and date in the centre and a serpentine wreath of oak leaves around it.  If you are thinking to buy old Indian coins, then do search for some of these stunning coins from Indore Princely state. 


Copper Coin of Nawanagar Princely State

This copper coin from Nawanagar Princely State bore a denomination of Dokdo and was issued under the regime of Vibhaji. The 6.20-6.40 g coin was struck at nawanagar with a obverse featuring an Arabic inscription and 'Shri Jam off flan' in devnagari.  The reverse also depicts an Arabic inscription.

There are many websites that offer these Old Indian Coins for Sale, but it is always better to shop from authentic and trusted websites.

Why New Age Collectors Buy Stamps Online

Different collectors have different ways in which they build their collection. The most popular way to collect stamps a few years ago was by exchanging them. Collectors used to wait for letters from friends or relatives and then soak envelopes in water. After the stamps were detached from envelops, collectors used to dry them and keep them safe in their stamp book. Whenever they received a stamp that they already had in their collection, they used to get them exchanged for something new from their fellow collector-friends. Times have changed a lot as today you can easily buy stamps online without going through any of these difficulties.

There are many websites where you can order stamps online, especially when you are looking to Buy Indian stamps collection online. It is always recommended to buy Indian stamps online from trusted websites as there are chances that they could be overpriced. It is very important to know the market value of stamps before you buy stamps of India online from any random website. You can buy a good catalogue that lists various stamps along with their approximate market value.

Apart from that, the value of a stamp might vary a lot depending on its rarity, historical significance and condition. Stamps that are rare and are in good condition fetch you good returns when you are looking to sell them later. Refer two to three authentic and trusted websites before you buy Indian stamps online. When you do this, there are chances that one of the websites is offering the same stamp at a lower rate.

Understanding the historical significance of postage stamps is also important before you buy Indian Stamps. When you read up and do your research, you might be able to spot something unique in a stamp that others might not be able to notice. Good and passionate collectors constantly upgrade their knowledge by reading and researching. This keeps them one step ahead of their fellow collectors and helps them take more informed decisions when they orders stamps online.

There was a time when stamp collection was a dying hobby as people stopped using postal services. However, things are looking positive as you will find several websites where you can buy stamps of India online.

Journey of Old Notes of India through Interesting Examples

The journey of Indian notes has been very fascinating right from early banknotes of India to republic of India notes. When you study and analyse this journey, you would be surprised to discover several unknown aspects about Indian currency, history and economics. Let us Understand the History of Indian Notes today by looking at certain interesting examples.

Early Banknotes of India

Bank of Bengal, Bank of Bombay and Bank of Madras issued early banknotes of India for Bengal presidency, Bombay presidency and Madras Presidency respectively.

These 10 rupees rare notes of India issued by Bank of Bengal featured a personified 'Commerce' sitting on articles of merchandise. The obverse featured the text 'Bank of Bengal' in Bangla, Persian and Hindi in a vertical ornate panel. Other inscriptions include the manuscript's serial number, manuscript date, promise text with denomination; 'Entered by' manuscript signature; denomination panel and the denomination in words.  The reverse featured the text 'Bengal Bank'; printer's name and type of plate used for printing while the watermark depicted the Ashokan Pillar.

British India Notes

British India notes can be further classified as portrait note of Queen Victoria, Uniface notes of Government of India, King George V issues and King George VI issues.

This uniface 10 rupees note of Queen Victoria was issued for the Calcutta circle on 9th May 1862. The obverse featured a portrait of Queen Victoria. Other inscriptions include the texts 'Government of India'; Serial numbers with prefix, the promise text; Denomination in words in Bangla and Persian; mirrored dates; Denomination in numerals in Persian and Bangla; 'For The Government Of India; Denomination panel in numerals and words. The name of Sub-Circle is overprinted. The signature on these old notes of India was hand stamped at the time of issue. The watermark featured the text GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, denomination in words and numerals, signature of the finance member of legislative Council - Sir james Wilson, the signature of the Governor General Lord Canning and wavy lines in central promise text panel.

So far, we have only looked at two examples from two different categories of Indian Banknotes. Apart from these types, there are princely state issues, colonial notes of India and the Republic India notes as well. Keep upgrading your knowledge as and when you keep adding new banknotes of India to your collection.


 

Protect Stamps in Stamp Collecting Accessories to Revive Philately

Stamp collection is a fun hobby that excites people from all generations. Young or old, collectors find joy in learning about various kinds of postage stamps from around the world. The hobby gives you a deep insight about the various traditions and cultures that are followed in different countries. However, with the advent of technology, stamp collection has slowly lost its popularity as nobody writes letters these days. There is a need to revive the hobby among the younger generation so that they increase their general knowledge about the world. Many collectors do not take any effort in preserving postage stamps. If the hobby has to thrive, existing collectors need to know the importance of storing their valuable stamps in quality stamp collecting accessories. 

Image Courtesy: www.mintageworld.com

Types of stamp collecting supplies:

When you go shopping to buy philatelic supplies, it is very important to know about the different types of stamp collecting accessories that are available in the market. A stamp collection album allows collectors to classify stamps based on different themes and countries. You can also buy stamp stock pages separately if your collection is growing. These stock pages can be later added to stamp stockbooks as well. These stamp collecting supplies not only make viewing more convenient but also keep stamps away from any kind of moisture or dust. Same is the case with stamp binders which allow you to easily update tour collection.

Quality matters:

Quality of your stamp collecting accessories is very crucial. Philatelic supplies manufactured by local brands do not last long as they are made of poor quality material. It is very risky to store your valuable stamps in such kind of stamp collecting supplies as your collection might not be completely protected. Stamp binders and stamp albums produced by well-known brands such as Lighthouse are ideal as there is no kind of compromise on the Quality front. Once you store your stamps in these stamp collecting supplies, you can be sure that they would never lose their original charm.

If you really want the hobby to become more popular, you must encourage your friends and relatives to start collecting postage stamps. At the same time, you must not forget to take care of your own collection by storing it safely in world-class stamp collecting accessories! Consider the hobby to be a legacy which needs to be continued.

Medieval Period Coins of Sultans and Mughals

Coins of medieval India come in different varieties. If you understand their categories, you would be able to build an interesting and unique collection for sure. Medieval period coins of India can be divided into four main categories namely, coins of sultans, Mughal coinage, coins issued by Princely sates and the ones that were authorised by Hindu kingdoms. Let’s take a look at some medieval coins from the first two categories.

Indian Sultanates

The Ghori kings ruled certain parts of north India and Delhi from 1103 to 1206. The Mamluk or Slave Dynasty overtook the regime from 1206 to 1290, after which the Khaljis ruled Delhi from 1290 to 1320. The Khiljis were followed by Tughluq Dynasty who ruled from 1320 to 1414. Then came the Sayyid dynasty who ruled Delhi from 1414 to 1451. The Lodi Dynasty ruled Delhi from 1451 to 1526 while the Suris took over the regime from 1538 to 1554. There were different sultanates in different territories as well like Jaunpur, Malwa, Sindh, Kashmir, Ahmednagar, Deccan region, Bengal, Madura, Gujarat Sultan and Kalpi.

These Billon medieval period coins were struck under the regime of Muhammad Bin Sam and carried the denomination Jital. It weighs around 3.5 grams and has a diameter of 15mm. These coins followed the Anno Hijri calendar system and were die struck. These commonly found coins followed the theme of a horse, horseman and an Arabic legend. The obverse features the Arabic inscription Al-Sultan Al-Azam Muhammad Bin Sam while the reverse depicts a Horseman to the right.

Mughal coinage

The Mughals ruled different parts of India from 1526 to 1540 and then later from 1555 to 1857. Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb were some of the greatest rulers of the Mughal empire. Out of them, medieval coins of Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan are extremely popular all over the world.

This beautiful gold mohur of Akbar weighed around 10.8 to 10.9 grams and had a diameter of 21 to 26 millimetres. This is a Kalima type coin which dated 978 as per the Anno Hijri calendar. They were Die Struck at Agra Mint and featured name and title of Akbar, Date between two parallel lines, Mint name, and the text Khallad allah mulkahu on the obverse. The reverse featured the Kalima within ornamented quarter-foil with looped corners and name of four caliphs around.

We have only talked about a few coins of medieval India here. There are several others which you can explore to build an impressive collection of medieval period coins.