SHABIHA NUR KHATOON, OP
As a numismatist Mumbai-based Mohit Kapoor has always accorded more priority to the historical value – as opposed to the face value – of coins. His collection is not just rich and diverse, but also historically enlightening
Coin collection is one of the oldest of hobbies and is also known as the “hobby of the kings”, as history says that only kings and the elite used to indulge in it. The hobby of collecting coins can give pleasure and fun to an individual of any age. Some people are so passionate about this hobby that they make it their profession. One such example is Mumbai-based Mohit Kapoor.
Born and brought up in Mumbai, Mohit did his Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management and completed Master’s in Archaeology and Numismatics from Mumbai University. But history always fascinated him and coin was an area of interest which always drew his attention.
It is the history associated with coins, the opportunity to meet like-minded people and the fact that he was conserving some part of history, be it through weaving coins into jewellery pieces or by creating more collectors through the auction house that he runs, that fascinated him.
“I feel lucky to have the privilege to be exposed to the enchanting world of numismatics at a very young age. Seeing the coins being collected by my father, I too took fancy to them and developed an immediate liking to them. Initially, it started as a hobby, but soon become my profession. My father, Rameet Kapoor, is my greatest inspiration. Being an active numismatist for the past 40 years, he is chiefly responsible for my basic knowledge of coins and the history associated with them,” he said.
Mohit has coins minted by the Vijayanagara rulers, coins minted by Maratha chieftains, those minted by the rulers of the erstwhile Princely States as well as coins minted by the British Empire in India. His collection includes coins of the nascent Republic of India and those of different countries of the world. He has also undertaken the task of collecting titular badges awarded by the British to Indians; medals issued by the Princely State rulers and also commemorative/coronation medals issued by the British. Indian paper money is another field which Mohit is pursuing to collect.
Mohit is one of the youngest numismatists to have embarked on collecting such a wide array of coins. He recently showcased part of his collection in front of the royals of the erstwhile Princely States of India. To go deep into the world of coins, he travels a lot with the hope that he might be able to find some coins that are still missing in his collection. And the Bangalore coin show is one such event which he makes it a point to visit.
In his journey across the world of coins, Mohit has met a few interesting persons in terms of the wealth of knowledge. “I have met Shailendra Bhandare who is the assistant keeper at Ashmoleum Museum, UK. He is an encyclopaedia on coins and history who is always on his toes to help people by disseminating as much knowledge as he can. A thorough gentleman who is forever approachable and ensures that the right information is provided,” he said.
If you are aspiring for a career as a coin collector, then the Mumbai-based numismatist has a few tips to share. “My advice to new collectors would be that they should select an area which one would like to pursue and then read up on it before actually getting down to buying coins. People just jump into coin collection without amassing knowledge and then end up losing interest due to being duped or not being able to procure coins. Hence one should refer to books, interact with scholars, academicians and collectors before actually buying coins,” he said.
Coins that glitter
How about donning these antique pieces? Yes, you heard it right. To ensure that none of the coins get damaged in the process, they are put in frames that helps in the coins retaining their numismatic values.
1) American Dollar Set
The coins are about 120 years old. These are currency coins minted in .916 fine gold which were used in America for large value transactions. The coins have been set in a typically American styled gold frame with diamonds studded on them. (Approximately Rs 5 lakh).
2) Lakshmi Set 
The coins are from the Gupta era and are several centuries old. These feature a seated goddess on one side which is said to be a depiction of Goddess Lakshmi. Lakshmi, since time immemorial, has been equated with wealth and the set has been designed to have a contemporary Indian look which goes well with the era to which the coins belong. (Approximately Rs 16 lakh).
3) Vijayanagar Gold Pagoda Ring
The coin is known as a gold pagoda/varaha and was the currency unit in the southern part of India around 500-600 years ago. The coin depicts seated Shiva and Parvati. (Approximately Rs 40,000).
