BENGALURU: India’s largest numismatic firm and the country’s first Todywalla Auctions was in the city recently to auction historic coins and bank notes. City Express caught up with the firm’s managing director Malcolm F. Todywalla for a one on one. The 34-year-old who holds a MA in numismatics from Bombay Universtity has over 13 years of experience in Indian numismatics.
He is a member of the Oriental Numismatic Society, London; Orders and Medals Research Society, London; International Banknote Society, London and Mumbai Coin Society. Malcom represents the new generation of collectors in India. Here’s more.
How did you start with coin collections?
My father started the business about 48 years ago. We are second generation.
Which was your first coin?
First is difficult to remember. One of my favorites are the coins from the Gupta dynasty. They call the Gupta period the golden era of Indian history, which is most evident by its vast variety of gold coins struck by several of its rulers.
Which is the one coin you would go to any corner of the world to get?
Any Indian coin or collection. We are too passionate to let go.
Who are the top coin collectors of Bengaluru?
Rezwan Razack, he is the world’s foremost expert on Indian Paper Money. He also has the world’s finest collection of Indian Paper Money.
Which is the rarest coin that a collector has in Bengaluru? Either seen or rumored to have?
Rezwan has the earliest banknotes that were used / circulated in India. Nearly 300 years old.
Why do you think coins are important?
Coins are the only evidence of the rich monetary history of our great nation. It showcases the economic prowess that India possessed.
How has the coin collecting culture in India evolved?
With the strong economic growth, Indians have turned towards several avenues of collecting India’s heritage some by way of paintings and sculptures and some by collecting coins. We are constantly seeing this trend grow.
After demonetisation, did the value of demonetised currency go up?
No, not as yet.
Do you collect bitcoins also?
No.