Two-day exhibition of rare coins and stamps begins in Shivamogga

A two-day exhibition of rare coins and stamps commenced in Shivamogga on Saturday, kicking off as part of the Shivamogga Dasara festivities. The inauguration was graced by former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, who was joined by MLA S.N. Channabasappa and former MLC S. Rudre Gowda among others. The event, organized by the Malnad Coins and Stamp Collectors Trust in collaboration with the Shivamogga Dasara celebration committee, featured a collection exhibited by its members.

Former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa shared his appreciation for the historical significance of rare coins, stating, "Old coins, though no longer legal tender, are living witnesses to history and tradition. They convey the art, culture and traditions of their times. Collecting coins is like preserving history." He also encouraged the public to spread the word and visit the exhibition in large numbers.

Among the exhibitors, V. Jagadish of Tarikere displayed a rare collection, including 25 gold-plated stamps from the "Pride of India" limited-edition set. Jagadish, 66 years old, has been collecting coins for the past 30 years and has exhibited them at various events. G.R. Nagaraj, also from Tarikere, showcased a rare first official gold banknote of Antigua and Barbuda, while Chandrakanth, a journalist by profession, presented an impressive collection of coins, including those from the Tipu Sultan era, the Vijayanagara kingdom, the Gupta dynasty, and numerous princely states of India.

Chandrakanth, a student of numismatics, emphasized the importance of identifying genuine coins, warning of recent fraudulent attempts to sell replicas. Visitors were captivated by the exhibits, particularly the rare currency notes from yesteryears that are no longer in circulation, prompting questions from young enthusiasts about the source and value of each item.