For Srikar Kadimisetty, collecting coins and currency notes has been a constant companion ever since his childhood days. His house at Akkayyapalem is a treasure trove of rare coins and currency notes along with a few artefacts that is a rarity these days. A third year B.Tech student in Avanthi Engineering College, Srikar’s desire to gather coins started off at the age of 10.
From coins of George V and VI and Edwards IV and V and Queen Victoria time, Srikar’s kitty has a pile of coins that have been passed on to him by his grandfather, father and swelled by cousins and friends.
Prized possession“The credit goes to my grandfather who gifted me a bottle of coins that was left untouched in the loft. It still continues to be my prized possession,” he says.
Initially, Srikar confined himself to collecting a few coins that were kept in a small box. Soon, it started brimming with assorted denominations.
During family functions and weddings, Srikar makes sure that his passion for collecting coins is brought to the fore. “Till now, I have not spent money on collecting coins. All these have been sourced from my family members, relatives, and friends. There is also a Facebook page created for the purpose where numismatists across the city and other regions exchange extra coins,” he says. Besides 600-plus Indian coins and currency notes, Srikar’s kitty also includes 400 coins from across 160 countries. Twenty five United Arab Emirates dirhams, 100 Indonesia rupiah, 15 Russian kopeks, his folder consists of assorted coins of international countries. “There is a need to preserve these coins and notes by securing them in a customised folder. Proper care is essential to maintain the collection that includes a few copper coins,” says the numismatist.
Other than coins and notes, Srikar’s list of artefacts consists of a 5.5 inch screen television set that dates back to 1990, The Hindu newspaper dated October 8, 1989, a 100-year-old alarm clock, an ivory-handle penknife, an ivory comb, a huge brass bowl, and brass measuring weights.
