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1.
How & where to obtain British India Coins
?
In India, copper and nickel coins are available in large
quantities in metal utensil shops. Gold and silver coins can be purchased in
jewelry shop. People in need of urgent cash will sell their
antique coins to pawn shop owners or local jewelers at gold
or silver market price. These shops are great source for
coin collector to accumulate large collections at throw away
prices. Coins can also be purchased from reputable coins
dealers all over the world. Some may even drop by your
doorsteps. The best way to meet a large number of coins dealers
is to attend various numismatic exhibitions. In recent years
one can procure these coins by bidding in auctions like E bay, Spink and son,
Oswal antiques & Tody auctions.
2. What to collect in British India Coins ?
For an individual it is very difficult or almost impossible to collect every British India Coin from all three
presidencies to 1947 AD. Hence to have a satisfaction of detailed collection in a limited availability of time and money, one can collect
coins of anyone presidency, or collect only uniform coinage from 1835 AD to 1858 AD.
Similarly one can pursue to collect all rupee coins including 1862 dot varieties.
Other types of collection include collecting gold, silver,
and copper coins of a particular monarch from queen Victoria
to king George VI.
3. To clean or not to clean the coins ?
Usually senior collectors advise not to clean the coins. It
is true for ancient or medieval coins as inscriptions may
get damaged. But for British India Coins one can clean gold
or silver coin with caution. It is my personal opinion that
a coin can be gently cleaned using a super soft toothbrush
with tap water +/- mild soap solution. We strongly advice
not to use harsh chemicals or acid or metal brush to clean
these coins as they may cause more harm than good. For
amateurs I strongly advice to refrain from cleaning of any
sort until an expert opinion is sought. It should be kept in
mind that it is my personal opinion based on 40 years of
coin collecting & exhibiting experience.
4. How should you store these coins ?
Recent
technology has brought innovative ways to store coins safely
over a prolonged period. The best one in the market is
solvent free vinyl folders or you can make your own folders
using thin gauge OHP sheets. These folders can be brought in
bulk on eBay or from your local coin dealer. It is also
available in many hobby stores all over the country.
5. How do I participate in exhibitions or coin fares ?
I strongly
feel one should always participate in exhibitions and coin
fares as it lets other coin collectors evaluate and critique
your collection. In this way you improve your knowledge base
and collection. Also you get meet experts in the field who
always have valuable input. You can also exhibit in local
schools and chapters enhancing the knowledge of school kids
and kindling their interest in this hobby. Additionally you
get to meet numerous coin dealers at such gatherings.
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