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Showing posts from November, 2017

Tools of the Modern Numismatic Trade

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The most crucial tool for coin collectors is undoubtedly a magnifier lens. Every collector should possess at least one, as it plays a vital role in the examination of coins. A magnifier's rating indicates the increase in size of the image. A 1-power magnifier displays a correctly sized image, while a 10X magnifier shows the image 10 times larger than normal, with "X" denoting "times." Never should a coin be examined solely with the unaided eye, whether you're buying or selling. Seasoned collectors often sport a magnifier hanging from a lanyard around their necks. When investing in a magnifier, opt for glass lenses over plastic, as the former tends to be more durable, lasting a lifetime. Personally, I use a 14X lens purchased in 1967 that remains scratch-free despite numerous trips to the floor. For collectors, having a low-power lens for observing multiple coins and a stronger lens for scrutinizing specific details is essential. A low-power lens typically al...

Coins from the Mughal era have been unearthed in Durg

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Archaeologists, asserting Patan block of Durg district as an ancient trade center, were elated when a collection of 200 ancient coins from the Mughal era was unearthed four feet beneath the ground in the village of Bothli on Tuesday. Initially discovered by a group of laborers while digging the ground to install a pole, the workers promptly reported their find to the village sarpanch, who, in turn, submitted the coins to the collector's office. According to archaeologist JR Bhagat from the state culture and archaeology department, "Approximately 200 silver coins dating back to the Mughal era were found in a copper vessel at village Bothli in the Gadadih region, along the banks of the Kharun river. The coins and the site are currently under inspection, and we are working to determine which ruler the coins belong to. The site is situated amidst human habitats. The coins bear inscriptions in Arabic, and archaeologists are diligently deciphering their meaning. As we delve into thi...

Did you know: Indian 1 Rupee Banknote issued in Burma

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Before its annexation by the British Empire, Burma lacked its own banknotes. Following the three Anglo-Burmese annexations, Burma became a province of India instead of an independent colony. Consequently, Banknotes of India were used in Burma after the British occupation of lower Burma in 1824. With the enactment of the Indian Paper Money Act in March 1862, granting the Government of India power over the issue and circulation of banknotes in India, these notes were also circulated in Burma. The Currency Department established a Circle of Issue at Rangoon in 1882. Even after its separation from the Indian Empire in 1935, Burma continued to be under the financial administration of the Indian Government. This unique situation led to the Central Monetary Authority of India issuing notes for Burma, marking the only instance where one country issued notes valid in another during civilian rule—a remarkable event in the history of paper money. The initial overprinted issue was succeeded by a...

Mumbai Mint Reissung Coin Sets of Commemorative coins

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Mumbai Mint has either reissued or added a few more sets of  commemorative coins through their online counter sales, as of November 17th, 2017. Banaras Hindu University Commemorative Coin with Booklet Type Price ₹ Banaras Hindu University UNC 3138 Banaras Hindu University Proof 3676 125th Birth Anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru UNC 3077 125th Birth Anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru Proof 3615 Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board UNC 3523 Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Proof 4256 Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board 125th Birth Anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru The prices, while 20% higher than the initial release prices, remain affordable, especially considering the considerably higher market prices compared to the offerings on the mint's online counter. Collectors ...

Why do we collect tokens as part of numismatic collection?

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For some collectors, focusing on tokens forms the primary aspect of their numismatic collection. Various reasons contribute to this preference. The featured token is a trader's token made of pressed aluminum from the US, dating back to circa 1940. This token would have been redeemable for a discount of 5 cents, perhaps on a purchase of root beer or a similar item. Massman’s place 5c token Collecting tokens is a natural process when one collects coins. There will usually be an opportunity to acquire tokens whether you want them or not.  Some sellers will include tokens as a gift or you might acquire a token in a swap with another collector. It might be also that you come across a penny press or something of the like at a tourist attraction.  For some reason in the UK most aquariums have a penny press. They can be found all over the place across Europe and the US, there is one at Madam Tussauds in London for example. If you are a regular tourist it is inexpensive to...

Update on Nabakalebara Commemorative Coin Release

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It appears that everything is now resolved, with the government issuing a gazette notification for the release of the coins. These should be released soon, although they will still bear the date of 2015. Below is the design for the proposed coins and stamps by the Government of India. Nabakalebara is a symbolic recreation of the wooden forms of the four deities at Jagannath Temple in Puri. In the Jagannath cult, this ceremony involves the periodic renewal of the wooden forms of Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Sudarshana. The occasion takes place every 8th, 12th, or 19th year from the previous Nabakalebara. The method used to determine the year of Nabakalebara involves finding a year with two Ashadhas (Doashadhas), or the month of Ashadha with two full moons, in the Lunar Hindu calendar. Every three years, a lunar month is excluded from the calculation to balance lunar and solar years, known as 'Adhimasa' or 'Malamasa.' A year with an extra (Adhika masa) Ashadha mo...

Coins of Tipu Sultan, The Tiger of Mysore

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Tipu Sultan, also known as the Tiger of Mysore, was a formidable ruler in 18th-century India, and his coins bear witness to the rich history of his reign. These coins, predominantly silver, feature intricate designs reflecting the artistic and cultural vibrancy of the Mysorean era. Many depict Tipu Sultan on the obverse, showcasing his distinctive attire and regal stance, while the reverse often displays symbols and inscriptions of his kingdom. The coinage of Tipu Sultan is not merely a numismatic artifact; it's a historical testament to his resistance against colonial forces. His coins carry inscriptions in Persian, Arabic, and Kannada, emphasizing the cultural diversity of his kingdom. Tipu Sultan (1782-1799) Gold pagoda, Nagar, AH 1199, RY 3 Weight: 3.42 gm. Diameter: 12 mm Die axis: 1 o'clock Persian letter He (for Haidar Ali, Tipu's father), along with mint name Nagar and numeral 3 (regnal year) Legend, including AH date 1199 (= 1785-86 CE) Reference: KM 10...

Mintage World's ₹5 Coin Album Review & Video

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Few days back, posted about the launch of  New Mintage World ₹5 Coin Album . Ordered it and the album got delivered within 48 hours. As you see in the below video, the coin album is damaged in the corners due to bad packing. Hope they will start using the bubble wrap to protect the items during transit. Still the album is of good quality especially the internal sheets. It would have been better if the size of the coin pouches were small as it was meant to store 5 rupees coins. Coming to reference guide, expected a lot more like information on all the ₹5 commemorative coin releases, but mintage world team has stated as providing definitive 5 releases of circulation from 1992 to 2017 and they seems targeting only for the beginners. Still good information having in form of booklet. Over all, the coin album is very much satisfactory considering that it's a starting effort and more need to come.

Hyderabad Mint Reopens Sales of Commemorative Coins

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If you are searching for or missed out on the UNC sets of previously released commemorative coin issues, there's good news. Hyderabad Mint is now offering them once more through online counter sales for the following commemorative coins , as long as their stocks last. Commemorative Coin with Booklet Type Price ₹ 5 Rupees: Birth Centenary of Begum Akhtar UNC 333 10 Rupees: 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar UNC 381 5 Rupees: Jamshetji Nusserwanji Tata UNC 333 5 Rupees: BHEL - 50 Years of Engineering Excellence UNC 333 5 Rupees: Allahabad High Court – 150th Anniversary UNC 333 10 Rupees:  125th Anniversary Celebration of National Archives UNC 381 10 Rupees: Birth Centenary of Swami Chinmayananda UNC 381 ...

The New Mintage World ₹5 Album

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We have seen numerous excellent coin albums such as Dansco, WHSmith, as well as collections like 5 Cents Jefferson Nick and 5 Cents Canada. Whenever collectors come across such albums, there is always a desire to have a rupee album for their commemorative coin collections. The good news is that the initial effort has come from Mintage World, as they have launched the exclusive ₹5 Coin Album. According to their blog post, the album is made of high-quality material and comes with a booklet that provides all the information you need about every definitive 5 rupees coin released into circulation from 1992 to 2017.   Image Source: Mintage World The album comes with eight sheets, and each sheet can hold 20 coins, totaling 160 coins in one album. We strongly recommend this album as a must-buy for every collector, given its exclusivity. You can acquire these coin albums from Mintage World for an affordable price of ₹499. Grab yours now ! Update on 09-Nov-2017: The Revi...