They command value even now, but from collectors

 If you want to see rare currencies of the past, the fourth National Numismatic Exhibition (NNE) that began in the City on Friday is the place to be.

Avid coin collectors and curious visitors thronged the venue, Bell Hotel, on Day One of the exhibition to look at some of the exquisite coins, stamps, bank notes, tokens, paper money and others put up by numismatics.

Around 70 to 80 coin dealers from places such as Jaipur, Delhi, Jabalpur, Chennai and Nagpur have put up their stalls. Nikhil Parekh, a numismatic from Mumbai, said: “The response from the people is amazing. Birthday notes, which are available in all denominations from Re 1 to Rs 1,000, are selling like hot cakes in my stall.”

Abdul Gaffar Gandhi, who came all the way from Jaipur, has an exotic and rare collection of old wedding invitations.

Pointing towards his most prized possession, the wedding reception card of Princess Mahendra Kumari with Maharaja Kumar Pratap Singh Sahib dating back to 1962, Gandhi said: “I used to be a manufacturer of handmade papers and by chance, my eyes fell on old wedding cards of royal families handed over to me by a kabadiwallah. Then on, I started collecting royal wedding and reception cards.”

The first day cover of Mahatma Gandhi dating back to August 15, 1948, is also one of the rare exhibits. Rotarian G B Siddappa, a coin collector since 1947, said: “Although it’s a great exhibition, people have to be careful while buying coins as some of them may have turned black. It’s a great opportunity for coin dealers to make some profit,” he said. 
                                                                     
The Day One also witnessed the re-launch of the book, ‘The Standard Guide to South Asian Coins and Paper Money Since 1556 AD - Indian Edition (2013)’.

The book published by Krause Publication (USA) has been revised with updated information and has been relaunched after 30 years.

“This time we have expanded the expo by adding an antique jewellery collection. Auction of the exhibits displayed at the stalls will be held on Saturday,” said Archie Maru, one of the expo organisers.    

The exhibition, organised by Marudhar Arts Auction at Bell Hotel near the City Railway Station, is on till Sunday. Timings: 10 am to 6 pm.