Often considered as the global icon of Hyderabad, The Charminar has been immortalised in a wide range of avatars. Be it as a logo of a tobacco brand, key chains, miniatures or souvenirs, the historical landmark is associated with a distinctive charm and is deeply ingrained in the minds of the people.
T. Suresh Reddy’s love for coins has prompted him to build a replica of the structure, entirely with old 10 and 25 paise coins. A traffic constable by profession, Mr. Reddy dons the role of a numismatist and a philatelist during his leisure.
Pursuing a hobby despite the rigours of his work in law enforcement, he finds solace in his prized collection of coins, stamps and antiques. “My main aim is to build the coin-based replicas of Seven Wonders of the World and enter the record books. The Charminar is my first work to hone my craft and after its success I have begun making the replica of Taj Mahal,” he says. Speaking to The Hindu , Mr. Reddy has remarked that there is a shortage of such demonetised coins in his collection and he is awaiting other exhibitions to buy the same, in bulk. “It all started from my childhood. My father, who was also a police constable, used to collect coins and stamps as a hobby. His interest gradually rubbed down on me and I began pursuing the hobby,” he maintains.
Prized collection
Mr. Reddy has a prized collection of punch-marked coins, plastic coins and ancient coins belonging to the eras of Sri Krishnadevaraya, Satavahanas, Cholas, and Mughals, special coins ranging from ₹20 to ₹1000 (made of 35 grams of silver each), stamps and currency of Indian princely states, Mahatma Gandhi series (coins, notes, stamps), khadi stamps, stamps commemorating the 100 years of Indian cinema and much more. Mr. Reddy also collects matchboxes and owns an antique gramophone (1969), telephone, pens and other antiques.
