Numismatics may gain currency in NE with exhibition in city

Guwahati: Bharat Bagadia, a prominent numismatist from Guwahati, recently organised a five-day exhibition showcasing an array of old coins and banknotes, including items such as fancy, misprinted, star notes and customised notes under the name ‘Hobby Hub’.

Speaking to Business-Northeast, Bagadia emphasised that the coins issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are sourced directly from the Mint. These coins are broadly categorised into two types, definitive and commemorative coins. 

The collection of these historic coins holds a substantial market value. Bagadia noted that there is still a lack of awareness of numismatics in the North East.

A numismatist is a specialist, researcher, and/or well-informed collector of coins. Numismatists can include collectors, specialist dealers and scholar-researchers who use coins (and possibly other currency) in object-based research. The study of coins and other currency units is called Numismatics.

Bagadia expressed optimism about the grand success of the exhibition, which attracted visitors not only from Guwahati but also from places like Karimganj and Sivasagar. It was a first-of-its-kind event here.

The exhibition showcased a wide range of items, including error coins, folding notes, misprinted banknotes, and fancy and star notes. The value of these unique items can vary based on factors such as their rarity and the number of units minted. As a result, their prices are not fixed and can fluctuate accordingly.

“We usually get information related to the prices from groups and organisations associated with us,” he said.

The numismatic community in India is substantial and there is a growing interest in collecting rare coins and banknotes. Bagadia emphasised that with the increasing number of collectors and dealers in the area, the numismatic market is poised for rapid growth.
According to him, the inaugural exhibition will make a significant impact on promoting numismatics in the North East.

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