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Journalism of Courage
Rare coins from the Gupta period go under the hammer at Kolkata8217;s first coin auction
A copper coin designed by the East India Company to be used in Kolkata, but never circulated, may mean nothing to many of us but for a numismatist, it is a rare gem indeed. More so because the 2000 year old coin is from the Golden Era of the Gupta Empire and was struck in the reign of Kumar Gupta, with the king himself shooting a lion with his bow and arrow. There are very few pieces of this variety and hence it8217;s a collector8217;s item. Similarly, a 1 tola gold mohur of Queen Victoria era and a Rs 1000 currency note printed in Kolkata would bring a smile to every coin-collectors face.
The auction also includes gold and silver coins from the eras of Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Tipu Sultan. A wide range of Indian banknotes of the 20th century, will also go under the hammer.
Todywalla feels that the recession has not affected the market of rare Indian coins. 8220;Indian coins have held their own, both the prices and the market as a whole is still looking strong and lucrative. Indians are still buying coins and banknotes thereby ensuring that India8217;s rich heritage and culture does not loose its shine and its investment potential,8221; he says. nbsp;
The auction is scheduled to take place on December 25, at 6 pm, at Royal Bengal Room, City Centre
