Collecting rare coins has been one of the oldest hobbies. Known as numismatics, it can be a highly rewarding activity. But finding coins with high returns is easier said than done; very few people have a lucky streak where they find rare, valuable coins during everyday transactions. Most people need to buy coins with high returns. Those considering collecting valuable coins should know some rare Indian coins and certain ways to make the experience easy.

Rare Indian valuable coins

• 1891 Quarter Rupee Victoria Empress British India Coin
  Made at the Mumbai Mint, this rare coin dates back to the British era.
• Ahmedabad Mint Jahangir One Rupee Silver Coin
  Dating back at about AH 1014-1037 (1605-1627 AD), this valuable one rupee silver coin was made during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir.
• Sikh Empire One Paisa Mintmark Trishul & Leaf Copper Coin
  This copper coin inscribed with Gurmukhi legends originates from the Sikh empire of pre-independence India.
• Hyderabad Feudatories – Gadwal One Rupee Silver Coin
  Made at the Gadwal mint in the princely state of Hyderabad, this silver coin is said  to weigh about 9 gms.
• 1862 Victoria Queen, Pineapple, A-II No Dot, One Rupee Silver Coin
  This rare coin has a unique design that features three small pineapples engraved in the floral design right above the value notation of the coin.
• Error 1916 One Rupee George V British India Silver Coin
  A rare coin in which the reverse side appears to have been struck two times.
• 1910 Half Rupee Certified Calcutta Mint, Edward VII King, British India Silver Coin
  Made during the reign of King Edward VII, this rare coin dates back to British India.
• Mewar Bhilwara Coin Alamgir II One Rupee Silver Coin
  Dating back to 1162 AD, this coin is believed to have been minted in Bhilwara, which was part of the Mewar Kingdom.
• 1975 MS Certified 50 Rupees Coin Equality Development Peace
  With a diamond mint mark, this is a commemorative silver coin issued to mark the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Women’s Year in 1975.
• Gwalior State Jean Baptiste Filose Silver Coin With Battle Axe Symbol
  Minted in the princely state of Gwalior, this silver coin features the symbol of a battle axe and is inscribed with the text ‘In the name of Shah Alam II’.

Tips to collect valuable Indian coins

Look for antique coins at home
Typically, most homes in India already preserve old coins, which can easily date back 100-150 years. Usually, these coins go back by at least three or four generations. In most cases, such coins originate from British India or the princely states. This can be determined by the Roman or the Devanagari script used in these coins to denote their value. Coins that are older than this period will have Persian script with the dates written in Hijri. By simply translating the Persian numerals to the Gregorian calendar, one can determine which era these coins belong to.

Find out if the antique coins are rare
Just because a coin is old does not mean it is rare and valuable. So, one needs to find out which antique coins are actually worth something. This can be done by looking for pictures of coins worth money online and matching the coins at home with these images. To begin with, look for 10 best coins to buy. Besides, also look at catalogues of popular auction houses to check if the coins match with some of the rare ones. To figure the value of the coins one has in their possession, one can compare the coin to its lookalike in the auction houses’ catalogues available on their website. Check the date, symbols, and condition to understand whether the coin is actually valuable.

Identify the mint where the coin was made
In India, coins were minted at one location and then disbursed to several places. It was only in the 16th century that Emperor Sher Shah Suri imposed the process of having mints in different locations across the country. The coins that date back before British India were usually minted in places like Delhi, Lahore, and Agra. These are easily identifiable by looking for the name of the cities imprinted on them. Further, coins made in British India and later have certain symbols that identify the mints where they were produced. For instance, coins made in Mumbai have a diamond-shaped marker right below the year while those minted in Noida have a dot marker. But coins that made in the mint located in Kolkata do not have any symbols. One can easily find the mint marks of different cities online to identify where the coin was made.

Look for places to buy or sell valuable coins
Often, collecting rare coins involves buying coins one does not have and selling coins that one may not want in their collection. Before looking for places to sell old coins nearby, research the coins that are in possession. The best way to buy and sell old coins is through numismatics exhibitions that are held in different cities. The next best place to buy or sell old coins is a local auction house where the staff will be able to assist one in figuring out the actual value and authenticity of the coins. This is especially helpful for those who have just started collecting coins. Further, as far as possible, avoid doing any transactions with online dealers as the risk of getting scammed is quite high.

Preserve the coin collection
It is essential to take care of the rare coins so that they retain their value for years. One should preserve the coins’ condition so that their value doesn’t depreciate. To do this, take measures to prevent the tarnishing of the coins. This involves handling the coins with clean cotton gloves to prevent oil and dirt from fingertips getting on its surface. It would also be helpful to properly store the coins in a place where dust and moisture don’t cause any damage. One can keep the coins in acid-free holders and protective cases. Also, don’t use harsh chemicals and abrasive materials, which can cause irreversible damage. Instead, use a mild soap and soft cloth to wipe off grime and dirt from the coin’s surface.

Fix a budget
Coin collecting can easily become an expensive hobby. In fact, many often end up going overboard by collecting valuable coins. To avoid overspending, make sure to set a budget. Ensure to not exceed this limit when buying or exchanging a rare and valuable coin.