Thane Chef Preserves 1,630 Rare Coins, Vintage Currency And A Gold Hon Linked To Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Mumbai-based chef Dipan Anuradha Bhalchandra Sawant, 36, has amassed an impressive collection of over 1,630 rare coins, vintage currency, and Indian stamps, many dating back to the Maratha era under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The collection was inherited from his late father, a former BEST employee, who began collecting these items in 1968.

After his father's death in January 2024, Dipan discovered the archive while sorting his belongings in 2025 and has been cataloguing and expanding it from his Thane home near three petrol pump premises.

The star piece of the collection is a gold hon from the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, measuring 1.32cm and weighing 2.732 grams. It bears the Devanagari inscription "Shri Raja Shiv" and is believed to be linked to Maharaj's coronation. The collection features regional hon issues, Peshwa-period currency, and Maratha-era coins from Chander, Indore, and Ahmedabad, fabricated from various metals such as gold, silver, copper, bronze, nickelbrass, aluminium, and stainless steel.

Dipan's collection encompasses India's monetary evolution from pre- and post-Independence mintages, featuring denominations like one paisa, two paise, five paise, four annas, and eight annas. It also contains uncirculated commemorative sets, including a rare Rs200 coin, as well as minting errors like off-centre strikes and planchet flaws. Paper currency in the archive spans post-Independence design eras and includes notes displaying the auspicious serial sequence 786.

Dipan, who aspires to share the historical significance of these items with citizens, does not intend to monetize the collection. He plans to acquire more coins from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's dynasty and rare pieces from Mughal Emperor Akbar's reign. Should his future family members not be able to maintain the collection, he intends to donate it to a public museum.