When you step into the house of Mohammad Ayazuddin and browse through the albums, you will begin to wonder whether you are actually in a foreign exchange counter.

Yes, Gulbarga photographer and artist Mohammad Ayazuddin has a great collection of currency notes and coins from many countries in the world. Besides old Indian coins, his collection comprises  varied currency notes dating back to the times of British rule.

He has around 700 currency notes of more than 250 nations. And more than 300 unique coins, a few of which are still in circulation.

His wide-ranging collection consists of a note signed by the first Indian Reserve Bank Governor C D Deshmukh (1943), Rs 1,000 notes introduced in 1964 and notes in the denomination of Rs 2, 5, 10 and 20 that were brought out for a period of one year to mark Charaka Jayanthi; plastic currency notes printed in Bangladesh, Romania, and Nepal and Hyderabad Nizam government’s notes. In fact, his collection has recreated history.
A quick glance at Ayaz’s album of currency notes is enough to understand the art and culture of various countries. He also has a rare collection of currency notes of lesser known countries like Brunei, Darussalam, Cameroon, Benin, Brukina, Kuki, Iceland, Verde, Gebon, Lesotho, Madagascar, Niger, Bahamas, Damini and Bolivia. However, the most attractive part of his collection is the Rs 20,000 currency note from Indonesia, bearing the imprint of Lord Ganesha.

Coins: Ayaz’s collection of coins is equally impressive. He has silver, bronze, copper and panchaloha coins ranging from those belonging to 5th century Nagapadma to Hyderabad Nizams, Mysore Wodeyars, Akbar, Aurangazeb, Vijayanagar, Gwalior and other kings.

He also has coins from countries like Albania and Sanmarino. Ayaz has maintained a spearate album for his coin collection.

A native of Gulbarga’s Chincholi Taluk, Ayaz has completed his Masters in Fine Arts. During his stay in Saudi Arabia where he worked as a graphic designer, he collected notes and coins whenever he travelled to different countries.

Ayaz says that his father Mohammad Khaja Naveed and brother Mohammad Sirajuddin Patel were his inspiration. He visits exhibitions held in various parts of the country and buys currency notes and coins to add to his collection.

Ayaz enjoys the rare distinction of being the largest collector of currency notes in the State. With this achievement, there is every possibility that his name will find a place in the Limca Book of Records.
Translated by S Senthalir