BENGALURU: We have all collected coins when we were kids. But few of us take it up as a serious hobby later. But numismatics -- collecting coins, bank notes, etc -- has been known as the hobby of the kings.
The favourite subject for coins collectors in South India; especially Karnataka has been those minted during the reign of Tipu Sultan also called as the “Tiger of Mysore”.
Tipu Sultan ruled Mysore from 1782 to 1799. He was finally defeated in 1799 and killed by the combined forces of the East India Company, Nizam and the Marathas.
Tipu Sultan brought about various administrative and social reforms and in particular his coinage. He issued coins in three metals -- gold, silver and copper. Coins are known to have been minted in 12 mints -- Patan (Srirangapatna), Nagar (Bednur), Farrukhyab Hisar (Chitradurga), Faiz Hisar (Gooty), Khurshed Swad (Dharwad), Zafarabad (Gurramkonda), Salamabad (Satyamangalam), Kalikut (Calicut) Bengalur (Bengaluru), Farukhi (Feroke), Nazarbad (Mysore) and Khaliqabad (Dindigul).
Some of the changes in his coinage were the following.
1. Tipu Sultan was the first King who did not mint coins in the name of the Mughal Emperor which was the norm during that time. Some of his coins bear his Father’s (Haider Ali) initials “He”.
2. Coins minted during the first four years of his rule have the Hijri dates. Later he started a new dating system called as the Mauludi system. This was based on the South Indian Calendar.
3. Gold coins were called after the name of the Kalifa and silver coins after the Mohammadan Saints.
4. Copper coins were named after stars and planets.
5. Hence the largest Gold coin was called as Ahmadi (4 Padogas) and the double rupee was knows as Haidari. The double paisa which was in copper was known as Othmani and later on was renamed Mushtari.
6. All his copper coins showed a rampant elephant with full majestic splendour. His coins are considered as one of the most beautiful coins to have been minted by an Indian ruler.
Hence they are sought after by many collectors.
But, before starting coin collecting as a hobby and in particular coins of Tipu sultan, we need to take some precautions. Due to the demand and popularity, many tourist fakes have been made and a novice will easily be deceived.
1. Before buying coins, always buy a catalogue which lists out the various coins of that particular era.
2. Join the numismatic club/ society in that particular city. Karnataka Numismatic Society is based out of Bengaluru and conducts meetings on every second Sunday of the month.
3. In these meetings one can meet experts of various fields who are always willing the share knowledge.
5. A novice can always start buying the coins which are common in that era. Avoid buying coins from roadside hawkers. They mostly sell tourist fakes. Buy coins from Dealers who are registered with Archaeological survey of India. Falcon coins Gallery is one of the reputed dealers in Bengaluru.
6. Coins can also be purchased in auctions which are held in various cities. Todywalla Auctions, Mumbai holds auctions at regular intervals at various cities. They are the oldest Numismatics auction house in India.
7. Once a collector has gained some experience, then try to learn the script eg. Persian script for coins of Tipu Sultan.
Also, learn the techniques which were used to mint the coins. Most of the fakes are cast forgeries which can be detected. eg. Coins were used die struck during medieval times.
8. Collectors should visit numismatic exhibitions which are held in various cities on a regular basis. For example, Karnataka Numismatic Society holds an exhibition once every two years.
Coin collecting can be an enjoyable hobby which also helps us in preserve our heritage and become aware of Indian history and culture.
Happy Collecting!
– The author is M A (Numismatics and Archaeology) email: purnanands@gmail.com