They represent a different genre which is busiest on Sundays. Because that is when they find time to get absorbed in their prized collection. They are members of Guntur Numismatic and Philatelic Society.
To familiarise the city-dwellers with their enchanting world of rare stamps, coins and currency notes, the society members orchestrated Krishnupex 2012, a two-day exhibition-cum-open auction of philatelic and numismatic materials at K.L. Rao Bhavan in the city, which unfolded on Saturday.
Rarities are galore at the expo that attracted enthusiasts in droves on the first day. “This is a uni-face note printed during the reign of Queen Victoria (1861-1925),” informs M.V.S. Prasad, secretary of the society.
A currency note of the denomination of Rs. 1,000 used in the post-Independence era, gold coins of Vijayanagara dynasty, tokens, tankas, tonga, silver coins, commemorative gold and silver coins used at the time of Madras and Bengal Presidencies, and a lot more is the expo all about.
Take a round along with a member of the society for a lowdown and you come out of the hall an enlightened soul, at least as far as the world of philately and numismatics is concerned.
Unique collection
K. Hanumantha Rao offers coins from across the world, Indo-British and Indian Republic coins while his friend K. Narayana Murthy and vice-president of the society, has carted in his collection of unique stamps of Bhutan, singing, plastic, steel, scented and gold-coated stamps.
Toss a query and you will find at least a few of them around you to enthusiastically explain when, where and how of the collection.
Prey how did they manage to have such a huge and rare collection?
“It started as a time pass when I was in ninth class. But over a period, I developed passion for it and here I am, doing what I like the best whenever I find time,” says G.N. Suresh Rao, pointing to a large size rare coin called tonga.
M.S.R. Prasad from Guntur has a special reason for taking to this hobby. “I do this to keep alive memories of my late son Srikanth. An engineering student, Srikanth was fond of philately and numismatics. His untimely death had the father carrying forward his passion.
Even if they go on a vacation or a business trip, their hobby goes with them. Internet has further enabled the enthusiasts to interact and exchange their collections.
The event was inaugurated by Justice R. Murali, Metropolitan Sessions Judge of Vijayawada.
