Array of rare coins on display

HYDERABAD: ‘Old is gold’ is a well-known saying, but is an understatement when it comes to the wide array of rare coins and bank notes displayed at the 3rd National Numismatic Exhibition - 2012 at Maruti Gardens convention centre, Lakdikapul.The three-day exhibition inaugurated on Friday features a wide range of Indian bank notes, tribal accessories, special stamps and coins, from times dating as far back as 600 BC exhibited by 150 different dealers from across India in 80 stalls. The main attraction of the exhibition is a pack of 100 uncirculated notes of  Rs 10 and Re.1 denominations issued by H.E.Zahid Hussain Nizam of Hyderabad in the year 1939. The whole pack of notes, preserved in mint condition, is up for auction and commands a starting bid of Rs.12,00,000 as it is very rare to find. Rajendra Maru, organizer of the exhibition and head of Marudhar Arts, says, “Our auction and exhibition allow me to serve the people of Hyderabad with a full pack of 100 notes. The packets of notes were never offered in any auction but for the people of Hyderabad, we had to offer something which is very unique and rare.” A stall by Hyderabadi coin enthusiast Khadar Khan, who has made it to the Limca Book of World Records for a collection of 3800 commemorated coins, showcases a number of rare and extremely old coins from the Satavahana dynasty in 220 BC to a fine collection of Nizam currencies.A stall from Mysore features coins from the Vijayanagar empire which dates back to 1336 AD and weigh 3.35g the starting bid priced at Rs.16,000, and many other rare coins from the Wadeyar dynasty.