Pretty pennies

Our country has a rich history of coins since every dynasty that took root in India inscribed the surface of coins with designs that held value and meaning for them. However, this rich heritage can be lost at any time, if we do not take steps to collect and preserve these treasures from our past. But there are those who have been actively preserving ancient coins and 36-year-old Mohit Kapoor is one such individual.

Mohit, who has been collecting coins from the time he was 14 years old, tells us why he was drawn towards this unique hobby. “I am fascinated by history and my dad used to collect coins. I grew up with coins around me and I found them very enigmatic. These coins reveal a lot about the politics and economics of different eras and dynasties and that’s why I got hooked to coin collection,” says Mohit. He is also keen on adding to his father’s staggering coin collection as he says, “My father used to collect coins of different dynasties and I have a lot of coins that he collected. I am just trying to build the collection.”

The numismatist preserves these coins because he feels if nobody does so, they will be lost forever. “This is our cultural heritage and if we don’t collect these coins, they will be lost. Eventually, some jeweller will melt it and they will be finished. My intention is to save these currencies for the coming generations so that they can see their own rich history,” he reasons.

Mughal Empire, Jahangir, Silver Rupee, with Zodiac sign of Leo, 1617AD, struck in Ahmedabad Mint.

Talking about his collection, Mohit says it includes medieval and post-medieval period Indian coins. The collection boasts coins minted by Vijayanagara rulers, Maratha chieftains, erstwhile rulers of princely states, as well as coins used during the British rule in India. “When I was younger, I first started collecting British-India coins. They feature the ruling English monarch and have very simple designs. I had a fascination for collecting coins from each year and I continued doing that for many years,” he reveals. But his penchant for preserving the past doesn’t stop at collecting coins, for he also collects medals issued by various indigenous rulers and commemorative, coronation medals and titular badges issued by the British.

Apart from his collection of ancient Indian coins, Mohit also has about 250 coins issued by different countries of the world. Today, some of these countries have either been split into smaller nations or have been merged with other countries. “Their intricacies are fascinating and these coins and their heritage teach a lot that history fails to,” insists the numismatist.

But how does he know the coins are authentic and what he’s collecting is indeed the real deal? Mohit responds by saying that he has significant experience in the field and so, knows whom to go too to test the authenticity of his find. “Jewellers are the best source for this but the scenario has changed after the early 2000s as dealers and auction houses have taken over the market,” he discloses.

But this is not an easy hobby to maintain, as Mohit talks about how the coins require high maintenance. “If you keep all the coins together, you end up damaging them. You need to keep them in a small, cardboard flip box. Each coin is individually packed. It needs a lot of security since they are very precious,” he informs. When asked if it is an expensive hobby to pursue, he agrees, saying, “Yes indeed, because there is no financial benefit. However, at times, when you crack a cheap deal, you feel like you hit the jackpot.”

Mohit, who pursued a post-graduation in Numismatics and Archaeology from the University of Mumbai, took his hobby a step further by starting an auction house, Imperial Auctions in Pune, along with his friends. They have also set-up an NGO called Center of Indian Numismatic Studies, in Bangalore. So far, Mohit has successfully conducted many auctions throughout the country. When asked if he has any plans to display his work abroad, he rues the fact that the Archaeological Department doesn’t grant permission to such requests. “It’s not permitted to take articles of the country that are over a 100 years old abroad. This requires permission, and most of the time, you don’t get it. The paperwork is too difficult so most of the collectors resist doing so,” he concludes.