We get a lot of requests for selling old coins and notes. Many people write to us stating I want to sell my old Indian coins and notes and then proceed to send us pictures of their coins and notes. Our usual response is that we do not buy coins and notes directly but provide a platform to connect sellers and collectors. And then many people create a seller account with us. Some go on to list their coins and notes, which in many cases do not pass our quality checks to go live on our site.
To sell your old coins and notes, first it is important to understand why people collect coins, and what they look for when buying coins and notes.
Why Do People Collect Coins
Coin collecting hobby
Most people collect coins as a hobby. Coins are easily accessible, and many young collectors start by collecting different types of common coins in circulation at that time. While most coins in circulation look the same, you may come across varieties of coins that were issued to commemorate events in your country. Getting foreign coins from relatives and friends travelling abroad adds to the collection.
Collecting a piece of history
Many people collect coins because they enjoy history and old things. Coins provide us a window into the past, how people exchange goods, how were kings and queens of the time represented. Collecting old coins gives people a change to collect a piece of history.
Coin collecting as a Challenge
As coin collectors mature into their collection, the hobby presents a challenge to find missing pieces in their collection. It becomes a treasure hunt of sorts to get the right coin to complete their collection. The challenge of acquiring the rare coins drives collectors to search everywhere.
Coin collecting as an investment
And of course, finally some collect coins as an investment. And like anyone investing money, they expect returns for their investments. These people buy old and rare coins, typically of valuable metals like gold and silver.
How To Sell My Old Coins
To sell your coins, it is important to know what is special about your coin and presenting it properly to collectors. You should do some research about what your coin might be worth. Try to find out what is special about your coin.
When you are listing your coins for sale on BidCurios or any other channel, keep the following in mind:
Post clear pictures of your coins and notes. You can now click decent pictures with a phone camera if clicked in good light. Click pictures in sunlight or any well-lit place.
Avoid having cluttered background on your pictures. Click pictures of plain background. You could you a plain sheet or plain paper as background.
Make sure your coin is in focus.
Click both sides of the coin. For collectors seeing both sides of the coins is important.
Write a good description. This is possible if you spend some time in identifying what is special about your coin. If you know why a collector should buy your specific coins, you are more likely to get a better price for your coins.
Hope this helps you sell your coins better. Drop your comments below to ask anything or share your inputs.
The princely states of India were territories ruled by India Kings, which were, in turn, controlled by the British Empire Raj. The history of the princely states reflects the rich and colorful diversity of life styles, languages, religions, customs, and political histories on the Indian subcontinent. Though the history of the princely states of the subcontinent dates from at least the classical period of Indian history, the predominant usage of the term princely state specifically refers to a semi-sovereign principality on the Indian subcontinent during the British Raj that was not directly governed by the British, but rather by a local ruler, subject to a form of indirect rule on some matters.
The states changed with the everchanging circumstances. The number of states can only be estimated and varies between 562 and over 700. Throughout the Raj period, smaller states were attached to larger states, states were divided, and states existed within other states. Claiming mismanagement, or a lack of male heirs, the British dissolved some states and assumed direct control of territory. In 1947, when the British left India, there were 565 states, covering about 40% of the area of India.
In principle, the princely states had internal autonomy, while by treaty the British Crown had suzerainty and was responsible for the states’ external affairs. In practice, while the states were indeed ruled by potentates with a variety of titles, such as Maharaja, Raja, Nizam, Raje, Deshmukh, Nawab, Mirza, Baig, Chhatrapati, Khan, Thakur Sahab, Darbar saheb or Jadeja/Samma, the British still had considerable influence. The British were skillful manipulators, who used the number of gun salutes, titles, and awards to give an appearance of power to the princes. Ruler designations also varied according to the importance of the state, its traditions, and favor in which it was held.
By the end of 1949, all of the states had chosen to accede to one of the newly independent states of India or Pakistan or else had been conquered and annexed.
Achrol in Rajasthan – Thikana of the Princely State of Jaipur Agar Agra Barkhera Ahmadnagar – salute Ajaigarh in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Ajraoda Akalkot in Maharashtra Akdia Ali Rajpur in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Alampur Alipura in Madhya Pradesh Alwa Alwar in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 15 guns (17-guns local) Amala Amarchanta vassal state Amarkot (Umerkot) in Sindh, Pakistan Amarnaghar in Saurashtra (Gujarat) Amb (Tanawal state) Pakistani Frontier state Ambliara(also spelled Ambaliyara or Amliara) in Gujarat Amethi in Uttar Pradesh Amod in Gujarat: although the seat of a Thakore Sahib, the taluka of Amod was administered as part of the Broach District Amrapur in Kathiawar; <> below Amrapur in Rewa Kantha Anandpur Anegundi Zamindari Anghad Angre Political Pensioner Ankevalia Arcot (the Carnatic) Political Pensioner Arnia Assam Political Pensioner – roughly the homonymous Indian state Athgarh in Orissa Athmalik in Orissa Aundh in Maharashtra Awadh=Oudh Political Pensioner
B
Bakrol Babra Bagasra Bagasra Hadala Bagasra Khari Bagasra Natwar Bagasra Ram Baghal in Himachal Pradesh (Punjab Hills States) Baghat in Himachal Pradesh Bagli Bahawalpur in Pakistan Bai Bajana in Saurashtra Bakhtgarh Balasinor in Bombay Presidency – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Balsan in Himachal Pradesh Baltistan (western Tibetan kingdom, since 1840 subject to Kashmir) in Pakistan-administered Kashmir Bamanbor Bamra in Orissa Banera in Chhattisgarh Banganapalle in Andhra Pradesh (was in Madras till 1-10-1953) – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Banka Pahari in Madhya Pradesh Bansda in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Banswara in Rajastahn – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Bantva Manavadar Bantva Sardargadh Baoni in utter Pradesh(kadaura) – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Baramba in Orissa Baraundha – Hereditary salute of 9 guns = Pathar Kachhar in Madhya Pradesh – salute Bardia Baria – Hereditary salute of 9 guns (11-guns personal) *Bariya in Bombay Presidency Barkhera Deo Dungri Barkhera Panth Baroda State in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 21 guns Barvala = Barwala in Saurashtra originally belongs to gedi limbadi state Barwani in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Bashahr in Himachal Pradesh – Personal salute of 9 guns Basoda Bastar in Madhya Pradesh Bavda vassal state Beja in Himachal Pradesh Benares in Uttar Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 13 guns (15-guns local) Bengal Political Pensioner – new title Nawab of Murshidabad (their new capital) Beri (Behri) in Uttar Pradesh Bhabhar Bhaddaiyan Raj Bhadarwa Bhadaura Bhadli Bhadvana Bhadwa Bhagat in Himachal Pradesh Bhaisola Bhaisunda Bhajji in Himachal Pradesh Bhalala Bhandaria Bharatpur in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 17 guns (19-guns local) Bharejda Bharudpura Bhathan Bhatkeri Bhavnagar in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 13 guns (15-guns local) Bhawal Bhioldia Bhimoria Bhoika Bhojakheri Bhojavadar Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 19 guns (21-guns local) Bhor in Maharashtra – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Bhorole Bichhrand Junior Bichhrand Senior Bihat in Madhya Pradesh Bihora Bija Bijawar in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Bijna in Madhya Pradesh Bikaner in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 17 guns (19-guns local) Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Bilaud Bilauda Bilbari very small princely state in India Bildi Bilheri Bilkha in Saurashtra Bissau in Rajasthan – Princely Thikana in Jaipur State Boad Bodanones Bolundra Bonai in Orissa Borkhera (Indore) Borkhera (Malwa) Baudh in Orissa Bundi in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 17 guns
C Cambay=Kambay in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Cannanore Carnatic Chachana Chamardi Chamba in Himachal Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Changbhakar in Madhya Pradesh Charkha Charkhari in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Chera Chhaliar Chhatarpur in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Chhota Barkhera Chhota Udaipur=Chhota Udepur in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Chhuikhadan in Madhya Pradesh Chiktiabar Chinchli Ghabad Chirgaon Chiroda Chitral Pakistani Frontier State Chitravao Chobari Chok Chorangla Chotila Chuda in Saurashtra Chudesar Cochin in Kerala – Hereditary salute of 17 guns Cooch Behar in West Bengal – Hereditary salute of 13 guns Coorg Political pensioner Cutch =Kutch in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 17 guns (19-guns local)
D Dabha Dabr Dadhalia Dahida Danta in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Dangarwa in Gujarat Daphlapur Darbhanga Daria Kheri Darkoti in Himachal Pradesh Darod Daryabad Dasada Daspalla in Orissa Datia in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Datva vassal state Debhavati Dedarda Dedhrota in Bombay Delath, a tributary of Bashahr, in Himachal Pradesh Delhi (Mughal Emperor) Deloli Deodar in Gujarat Derdi Janbai Derol Devalia Devlia Dewas Junior Branch in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Dewas Senior Branch in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Dhabla Dhir Dhabla Ghosi Dhamasia Dhami Dhamri in Himachal Pradesh Dhaora Ghanjara Dhar in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Dharampur in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 9 guns (11-guns personal) Dharnauda Dhenkanal in Orissa Dhola Dholarva Dholpur in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 15 guns (17-guns personal) Dhrangadhra -Halvad in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 13 guns Dhrol in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Dhulatia Dhurwai in Madhya Pradesh Dir (Dhir) Pakistani Frontier State Dodka Drapha Dudhpur Dudhrej Dugri Dujana in Punjab (now in Haryana) Dungapur/Dungarpur in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 15 guns
F Faridkot in PEPSU – Hereditary salute of 11 guns
G Gabat Gabhana State Gad Boriad Gadhali Gadhia Gadhka Gadhula Gadvi Gadwal vassal state Gandhol Gangpur in Orissa Garamli Moti Garamli Nahani Garni-kesariya Garrauli in Madhya Pradesh Gaurihar in Madhya Pradesh Gavridad Gedi Ghodasar near Ahmedabad in Gujarat Gigarsaran Gohad Gondal in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Gopalpet vassal state Gotardi Gothda Gundh in Himachal Pradesh Gundiali Gurgunta vassal state Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 21 guns
H Hadol Thakor Shri Joravarsinhji Halvadin surendranagar (Gujarat) Halaria Hapa in Bombay Hindol in Orissa Hindur Hirapur Hunza Pakistani Frontier State Hyderabad – Hereditary salute of 21 guns Halduar now (Bijnor) district in Uttar Pradesh Hirpura
I Ichalkaranji vassal state Idar in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Ilol in Bombay Ilpura Indore in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 19 guns (21-guns local) Itria Itvad
J Jabria Bhil Jadawata Jafrabad in Saurashtra Jafarabad and Janjira fusion of both states named Jaipur in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 17 guns (19-guns local) Jaisalmer in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Jakhan Jalia Devani=Jaliadevani in Saurashtra Jalia Kayaji Jalia Manaji Jambughoda or Jambuodha in Bombay Jamkhandi in Bombay Jammu in Jammu and Kashmir – Hereditary salute of 21 guns Jamnia Janjira in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 11 guns (13-guns local) Jaora in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 13 guns Jasdan in Saurashtra Jashpur Jashur in Madhya Pradesh Jaso in Madhya Pradesh Jath in Bombay Jatprole vassal state Jawalgiri vassal state Jawasia Jawhar in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Jesar Jetpur in Saurashtra Jhabua in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Jhalawar in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 13 guns Jhalera Jhamar Jhamka Jhampodar Jhari Gharkadhi Jhinyuvada jigna(ghurar gadi) Jigni in Madhya Pradesh Jiliya in Rajasthan[1] Jind in PEPSU – Hereditary salute of 13 guns (15-guns personal and local) Jiral Kamsoli Jobat in Madhya Pradesh Jodhpur in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 17 guns (19-guns local) Jubbal in Himachal Pradesh Jumkha Junagadh – Hereditary salute of 13 guns (15-guns personal and local) Junapadar Jharia Raj. At present Jharkhand.
K Kachchi Baroda Kadana Kagal Junior vassal state Kagal Senior vassal state Kahlur = Kehloor – former names of Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh Kaithal Kolanka – in Andhra Pradesh .One of its Maharajas got Kolanka Cup made. Kalahandi in Orissa – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Kalat in Pakistani Baluchistan Kali Baori Kalsia in Pepsu Kalu Khera Kamalpur (Bombay) Kamalpur (Central India) Kambay = Cambai in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Kambhala Kamta Rajaula Kanada Kaner Kangra-Lambagraon Kanika Kanjarda Kanker Kankrej Kanksiali Kanpur Ishwaria Kanta Rajaulia in Madhya Pradesh Kantharia Kapshi vassal state Kapurthala in PEPSU – Hereditary salute of 13 guns (15-guns personal and local) Karaudia Karauli in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 17 guns Kariana Karmad Karol Kashmir in Jammu & K. Kasla Pagina Muvada Kassalpura Kathaun Kathiawar – also name of the large Gujarati peninsula, roughly corresponding to Saurashtra (divided into numerous minor (e)states) Kathrota Katodia Katosan Kawardha in Madhya Pradesh Kayatha Kehloor = Kahlur – former names of Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh Keonjhar in Orissa Keonthal in Himachal Pradesh Kerwada Kesria Khadal in Bombay Khairagarh in Madhya Pradesh Khairpur in Pakistan Khajuri Khamblav Khandia Khaneti, a tributary of Bashahr Khandpara in Orissa Khandpara Khaniadhana in Madhya Pradesh Khanpur Jagir – Uttar Pradesh Kharan in Pakistani Baluchistan Kharsawan in Bihar Kharsi Khedawada Kherali Kherawara Kherwasa Kheri Rajpur Khetri vassal state Khiauda Khijadia (Gohilwar) Khilchipur in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Khirasra in Saurashtra Khojankhera Khudadad the state of Tippu Sultan – his heirs became Political Pensioner Khyrim Kiari see Madhan in Himachal Pradesh Kirli Kishangarh in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Kolara Political Pensioner Kolhapur in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 19 guns Koriya (Korea) in Madhya Pradesh Kotah in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 17 guns (19-guns personal) Kotda Nayani in Saurashtra Kotda Pitha in Saurashtra Kotda Sangani in Saurashtra Kotharia in Saurashtra Kothi in Madhya Pradesh Kuba in Kathiawar Kumarsain in Himachal Pradesh =?Kumharsain Kunihar in Himachal Pradesh Kurandvad ?Kurundvad Junior Branch Kurandvad Senior Branch Kurnool Political Pensioner Kurwai in Madhya Pradesh Kushalgarh Kutch=Cooch in Saurashtra Kuthar in Himachal Pradesh Kukathala (kuthra) in agra zamindari Kutlehar annexed by Punjab Katrasgarh, Present Jharkhand.
L Labhowa Uttar Pradesh Lahar Madhya Pradesh Lakhapadar Lakhtar in Saurashtra Lalgarh Laliyad Landhora Langrin Las Bela in Pakistani Baluchistan Lathi in Saurashtra Lavej Lava Sardargadhin Rajasthan Likhi Limbda =? Limbdi in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Lodhika Logasi in Madhya Pradesh Loharu in Punjab (now in Haryana) – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Lugasi Lunawada=Lunawada=Lunawara in Bombay Presidency – Hereditary salute of 9 guns
M Madhan = Kiari in Himachal Pradesh Mogalthur in Andhra Pradesh Magodi in Bombay Maguna in Bombay Maharam Mahlog =?Mahilog in Himachal Pradesh Maihar in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Mahmudpura Makrai in Madhya Pradesh Makran in Pakistani Baluchistan Maksudangarh Malaudh one of the Phulkian princely States in Punjab Malerkotla=Maler Kotla in PEPSU – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Malaisohmat Malia = Maliya in Saurashtra Malpur in Bombay Manavadar Mandavad officially also called Nawa-Visavadar until Independence. Mandholi in Rajasthan, a thikana under Torawati in Jaipur state. Mandi in Himachal Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Mandva in Bombay =?Mandwa Mangal in Himachal Pradesh Mangam Mangrol Manipur Mansa Maoang Maosangram Mariaw Markundapadu Princely State(Sunkavalli)Andhra Pradesh Masulipatam Political Pensioner Mathwar Matra Timba Mayurbhanj in Orissa – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Men Mengani Mevasa Mevli Mewar, see Udaipur State – The first and foremost of all states in British India, Hereditary salute of 19 guns (21-guns local), soon full 21-guns Miohanpur in Bombay Miraj Junior Branch in Bombay Miraj Senior Branch in Bombay Mohanpur Moka Pagina Muvada Monvel Morchopna Morvi in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Mota Barkhera Mota Kotharna Mowa Mudhol in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Muhammadgarh in Madhya Pradesh Muli in Saurashtra Mulia Deri Multhan Munjpar Murshidabad Political Pensioner- new seat of the former rulers of (Greater) Bengal Mylliem Mysore (modern Maisuru) in Madras – Hereditary salute of 21 guns Mragpura jagir Madhya Pradesh
N Nabha in PEPSU – Hereditary salute of 13 guns (15-guns local) Nagar Pakistani Frontier State Nagod – Hereditary salute of 9 guns =? Nagodh in Madhya Pradesh Nagpur in Madhya Pradesh- Political Pensioner Nahara Naigawan Ribai Nalagarh in PEPSU Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh Nalia Nandgaon in Madhya Pradesh Narsingarh in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Narsinghpur in Orissa Narukot Narwar Nashipur ? Naswadi Naugaon Naulana Navagarh Nawanagar in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 13 guns (15-guns local) Nayagarh in Orissa Nilgiri in Orissa Nilvala Nimkhera Nobo Sohoh Noghanvadar Nongklao Nongspung Nongstoin Nagala Ramsunder Zamindari Uttar Pradesh NISAR Thikana IN BIKANER
O Orchha in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Oudh = Awadh Political Pensioner – ?salute
P Peddapuram in Andhra Pradesh Pachegam Pithapuram in Andhra Pradesh Pah Pahara in Madhya Pradesh -Pahra Paigah vassal state Pal Palaj in Bombay Palali Palanpur in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 13 guns Palasni Palasvihir Paldeo in Madhya Pradesh Palitana in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Paliyad Pal Lahara in Orissa Palsani Panch Mahal Maroth in Rajasthan Panchvada Pandu Panna in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Pantalvadi Panth Piploda Paron Partabgarh in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Patan or Torawati in Rajasthan, vassal state to Jaipur Pataudi in Punjab (now in Haryana) Patdi in Saurashtra Pathari in Madhya Pradesh -Patharia Patiala in PEPSU – Hereditary salute of 17 guns (19-guns local) Patna in Orissa – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Pethapur Phaltan in Bombay Phulera Pimladevi Pimpri Piplia Sisodia Piplianagar Piploda in Madhya Pradesh Poicha Pol Poonch vassal state Porbandar in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 13 guns Prempur in Bombay Pudukottai in Madras – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Punadra Punial Pakistani Frontier State Punjab Political Pensioner – salute Pundara in Bombay Palvancha Biggest Principality in Telengana Region(Under Nizam) Pandra Raj, Present Jharkhand.
R Rabana Samadhiyala near Jasdan in Gujarat. Radhanpur in Gujarat – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Raghugarh Rahrakhol Raigarh in Chhattisgarh Rairakhol in Orissa Rai Sankli Rajgarh in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Rajpara (Gohilwar) Rajpara (Halar) Rajkot in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Rajpipla in Gujarat – Hereditary salute of 13 guns Rajpur (Kathiawar) in Saurashtra? Rajpur (Rewa Kantha) in Saurashtra? Ramanka Ramas Rambrai Ramdurg in Bombay Ramgarh Ramgadi in Madhya Pradesh – principality of Gwalior state Rampur in Uttar Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Rampura Ramnad estate (Ramanathapuram) in Tamil Nadu Ranasan in Gujarat Randhia Raj-Ranpur in Orissa Ratanmal Ratanpur Dhamanka Ratesh a zaildar in Keonthal in Himachal Pradesh Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 13 guns (15-guns local) Rawin = Rawingarh, a tributary of Jubbal in Himachal Pradesh Regan Rewa=Rewah in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 17 guns Rohisala Rudrapur= In Deoria District of Uttar Pradesh -Satashi Naresh Rupal
S Secunderabad,thikana of Hyderabad(deccan) Sachin – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Sada Kheri Sangul wardha Sailana in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Sakti in Madhya Pradesh Salempur Uttar Pradesh – title of Raja Samadhiali Samla Samode vassal state Samthar in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Sahanpur in Uttar Pradesh(District Bijnor) – Title of Rai and Raja Shamsher Jung Sahaspur-bilari Uttar Pradesh- title of RAJA BAHADUR Sarguja Sanala Sanderao in Marwar Sandur in Karnataka (was in Madras Presidency before 1-10-1953) Sangli in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 9 guns (11-guns personal) Sangri in Himachal Pradesh Sanjeli in Bombay Sanor Sanosra Sant in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Santalpur (Adesar) Sarangarh in Madhya Pradesh Sarila in Madhya Pradesh Satanones Sarangarh Sardargarh in Rajasthan Sarila Satara Political Pensioner – cfr. the Peshwa’s Maratha confederation Sathamba in Bombay Satlasna Satodad Vavdi Savantvadi=Savantwadi in Bombay – Hereditary salute of 9 guns (11-guns local) Savanur in Bombay Sayla in Saurashtra Sejakpur Seraikela=? Seraikhela in Bihar Shahpur Shahpura in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Shajaota Shanor Sheogarh Sheopur-Baroda Shevdivadar Shivabara Shorapur vassal state Siba (princely state) -No Salute (a sovereign Princely State of East Punjab Hills before incorporating in india) Sidki Sihora Sikkim (a Himalayan constitutive state since Indian annexation) – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Silana Sindh in Pakistan (khanate extinguished in 1843) Sindhiapura Singhana Sirguja Sirmur in Himachal Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Sirohi in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 15 guns Sirsi (Gwalior) Sirsi (Malwa) Sitamau in Madhya Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Sohawal in Madhya Pradesh Sonepur in Orissa – Hereditary salute of 9 guns Songad Sonkhera & Sarwan Sudamra Sudasna in Bombay Suigam Suket in Himachal Pradesh – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Sundem Sunth Surat Political Pensioner Surgana in Bombay Surguja in Madhya Pradesh Sutalia Swat Pakistani Frontier State [Sidhowal{India}in Punjab] Srikalahasti under Madras Presidency-sold Area of Madras to East India Company shaning pirthawar (princely state) Punjab Pakistan
T Tuni in Andhra Pradesh Tajpuri in Bombay Tal Talegaon Dabhade vassal state Talcher in Orissa Talsana Tanawal State (see Amb) Pakistani Frontier state Tanjore Political Pensioner Tappa Taraon in Madhya Pradesh Tavi Tehri Garhwal in Uttarakhand – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Tejpura Tervada Thana Devli Tharad & Morwara Tharoch in Himachal Pradesh Tigiria Tigria in Orissa Timba Thanazagi Toda Todi Tonk in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 17 guns Torgal vassal state Tori Fatehpur in Madhya Pradesh Travancore in Kerala – Hereditary salute of 19 guns Tripura in colonial Assam (now a separate state) – Hereditary salute of 13 guns House of Tulsipur One of Taluqs of Oudh – Formerly Tulsipur-Dang, one of 22 Principalities in Nepal
U
Uchad Udaipur, Chhattisgarh Udaipur State in Rajasthan – Hereditary salute of 19 guns (21-guns local), soon full 21-guns Umeta In Gujurat of Thakore Jagdevsinhji Ramsinhji of Padhiar clan Umri (Bombay) Umri (Central India) Uni Untdi Upawara
V
Vizianagaram The only (Kshatriya-Suryavansh)Rajput Kingdom in South India (Andhra Pradesh) Venkatagiri largest in Andhra . Vadal Vadali Vadia in Saurashtra Vadod (Gohilwar) Vadod (Jhalawar) Vaghvadi Vajiria Vakhatpur in Bombay =?Vakhtapur Vallabhpur Vala in Saurashtra Valasna in Bombay Vana Vanala Vanghdhra Vanod in Saurashtra Varagam Varnol Mal Varnoli Moti Varnoli Nani Varsoda in Bombay Vasan Sewada Vasan Virpur Vasna in Bombay Vekaria Vichhavad Vijanones Vijayanagar in Bombay Virampura Virpur in Saurashtra Virsora Virvao Vishalgarh vassal state Vithalgarh Vora
W
Wadagam Wadi jagir in Bombay Wanapurthy vassal state Wankaner in Saurashtra – Hereditary salute of 11 guns Wao in Bombay Warahi Wasna
Text sources: Wikipedia, World Heritage Encyclopedia, Feudatory States Stamps website Image credit: By John Bartholomew and Co., Edinburgh – https://books.google.com/books?id=-kAuAAAAYAAJ, PD-US, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21528798
Bundi is located in northwest part of Rajasthan. It was founded by the Chauhan Rajput, Rao Dewa in 1342 AD. The Rajputs of Bundi were called ‘Rao’ but they were later titled as ‘Raja’ by the Mughal. This state faced most oppression by the Maratha’s powers like Holkars and Sindhias till the 19th century. It came under British control in 1818 and remained so until 1947 AD.
Maharao Raja Ram Singh grew up to be a much respected ruler who initiated economic and administrative reforms and established schools for the teaching of Sanskrit. On the throne for 68 years, he was described as a grand specimen of the Rajput gentleman and “the most conservative prince in conservative Rajputana.
Bundi was one of the smaller princely states of India. In the early 19th century, it accepted British protection – and from 1858 onward, the coins of Bundi carried the name of the local ruler (Ram Singh) together with the British ruler – Victoria, Edward VII and George V respectively.
Ram Singh issued gold, silver and copper coins in the name of Mughal ruler Bahadur Shah II but later it bears the name of British monarch. These coins reperesent the various symbols such as Katar, flower, tree and seated figure holding Katar. Legends inscribed on these coins are in Devanagari, Roman, and Persian script.
Unlike other coins of modern age, which are milled, coins of Bundi were hammered – making the quality uneven – with the impression not falling on the planchet completely. The silver rupee of Bundi was thicker than the standard British India rupee, with a lower diameter – 21-2 mm vs. 30-31 mm, and slightly lighter – 10.6-10.7 grams instead of the 11.66 grams.
Bundi was a small princely state with a population of less than 1 million, so fewer coins were minted. As a result, these coins are very hard to find.
Princely state coins used to follow this practice – name of local ruler on one side, and the British ruler on the other side. Bundi silver rupees bear the names of Victoria, Edward VII and George V.
The history of Ahmadnagar Sultanate began with the downfall of the Bahmani or Deccan Sultanate. As the Bahmani Kingdom went into decline, it split up into five Sultanates, one of them being the Nizamshahi Sultanate of Ahmednagar. Founded in1490 AD, the Nizamshahi was one of the strongest sultanates to rise from the declining Bahmans. It was established by Malik Ahmad Shah Bahri, who had served as the governor of Junnar under Bahman rule.
The Nizam Shahi lineage stemmed from one, Khalaf Hasan (He was a Hindu converted to Muslim). After the death of Mahmud Gawan (Prim minister of Bahmani Sultanate) the authority of the Bahmanid Sultan declined. Khalaf Hasan was able to exercise considerable autonomy in his area. His son, Malik Ahmad (A.D 1490-1510) declared his independence in Junnar some time in A.D1490. He founded a new city, Ahmadnagar and made it his capital. No coins of this dynasty are known before the reign of fourth ruler Murtuza Nizam Shah-I (A.D1565-1588)
When Shahji Bhonsle became de facto ruler of Ahmadnagar sultanate, than Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan-I decided to annex the kingdom once and for all, and in A.D1636, Shahji had to surrender to the Mughals, and the independent sultanate of Ahmadnagar came to an end.
During the early years, sultans of Ahmadnagar did not mint their own coins. They were probably over struck Bahmani and Gujarat Sultanate coins for circulation. The first ever coinage of Nizamshahi sultanate of Ahmadnagar was struck at Ahmednagar mint in the year 1565, during the reign of Murtaza Nizam Shah I.
The Khalji or Khilji dynasty was a Turko-Afghan dynasty that ruled on the Delhi sultanate, covering large parts of the Indian subcontinent for nearly three decades between 1290 and 1320. Founded by Jalal ud din Firuz Khalji as the second dynasty to rule the Delhi Sultanate of India, it came to power through a revolution that marked the transfer of power from the monopoly of Turkish nobles to a heterogeneous Indo-Mussalman nobility. Its rule is known for conquests into present day South India and successfully fending off the repeated Mongol invasions of India.
Jalal al-Din Firuz Khalji was the commander in chief of the army under Sultan Kaiqubad and took advantage of the chaos in the sultanate and the sultan’s complete incompetence to seize power and establish the Khalji dynasty. The Khaljis were of Turkic origin and got their name from having lived in the area of Khalj in what is now Afghanistan. Firuz Shah was already 70 years old when he ascended the throne and he was soon deposed and murdered by his ambitious and capable nephew, Alauddin.
Alauddin spent all of his 20 year reign expanding his kingdom, putting down rebellions and defending the sultanate from a series of Mongol invasions. After Alauddin died, his army commander Malik Kafur, attempted to install a child of 5 or 6, Shihab al-Din Umar, as sultan with himself as the child’s step-father and regent. However, Alauddin’s third son, Mubarak Khan, managed to have Malik Khafur murdered, deposed Umar, and installed himself as Sultan Qutb al-Din Mubarak. Mubarak, however, was not an able ruler. He reigned for four short years, the sultanate was left in disarray, and a few short-lived sultans later, it was ripe for takeover by Ghazi Tughluq.
Ala ud din Khliji issued coins in gold, silver, copper and billon. Gold and silver tankas issued by him are very common and were struck at three places: Delhi, Dar Al Islam, and Deogir. He also struck some square tankas in both the metals, but they did not have the mint name inscribed on it. Some of these tankas are heavier than the usual.
Billon coins issued by him are of two types, both of them have the same weight, but the silver quantity in both the coins are different; one has around 25% of silver and other is a bilingual type which contains around 7 ½ % of silver.
The Ghaznavid dynasty was a Turko-Persian Muslim dynasty of Turkic slave Origin, who ruled northern parts of the Indian subcontinent from 977 to 1186. The dynasty was founded by Sebuktigin, upon his succession to rule of Ghazna (modern-day Ghazni Province in Afghanistan) after the death of his father-in-law, Alp Tigin, who was a break-away ex-general of the Samanids from Balkh, north of the Hindu Kush in Khorasan.
The coins of Mahmud Ghazni struck in India with Arabic and Sanskrit legends on obverse and reverse respectively, show a number of varieties in so far as the legends, the dates and the lettering and its arrangements are concerned.
Coinage of Mas’ud I of Ghazni, were derived from Shahi designs, with the name of Mas’ud in Arabic.
Bahram-Shah (1084 – 1157) was Sultan of the Ghaznavid empire from February 1117 to 1152. Son of Mas’ud III and Gawhar Khatun, sister of Sanjar, sultan of the Great Seljuq empire. During his entire reign, his empire was a tributary of the Great Seljuq empire.
Malwa had broken free from the Delhi Sultanate in the confusion following the invasion of Timur in 1398. In the century and a half that followed, Malwa history is a continual story of strife with Gujarat, Delhi and various forces in the Deccan. In 1531, Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat annexed Malwa, but by 1535 he was forced to hand it over to Humayun as part of a peace treaty with the Mughal emperor. When Sher Shah deposed Humayun, the Malwa sultanate had a brief reconstitution, but the back and forth continued until Akbar in 1562 finally annexed Malwa for good into the Mughal empire.
The Malwa Sultanate issued a somewhat sophisticated system of coinage over its 150-year existence. First breaking off from the Delhi Sultanate, and later ruled by the Khilji Sultanate, Malwa minted coins that echoed the coins of those areas. Somewhat unusually for the time, many Malwa Sultanate coins are square, while others are round. Like other coins of the Islamic sultanates, Malwa coins feature no busts or other pictorial representations; they are designed purely with script.
Storing stamps is an essential aspect of philately, the study and collection of stamps. A well-maintained philatelic collection can be a source of pride for its owner and can even increase in value over time. However, improper storage can lead to damage, fading, or discoloration of stamps, which can ultimately result in the loss of their historical and monetary value. In this blog post, we will learn how to store stamps and discuss some of the best ways to store stamps to enhance your stamp collection.
Stamp Albums
Stamp albums are the most traditional and popular way of storing stamps. These albums have pages with pre-printed grids, and collectors can insert their stamps into the grids. Stamp albums come in various sizes and designs, and there are albums specifically designed for different types of stamps, such as commemorative, definitive, or thematic stamps.
Pros: Stamp albums provide an organized and systematic way of storing stamps. The pre-printed grids help to keep the stamps in place, preventing them from moving around and getting damaged. Albums also protect stamps from dust and other environmental factors that can cause damage.
Cons: The use of stamp albums can be expensive, and it may not be practical for collectors with large collections. Also, the pre-printed grids may not accommodate all sizes of stamps, and collectors may need to use additional attachments to keep the stamps in place.
Printable Album Pages
Printable album pages are an increasingly popular way to store and display stamps for collectors. These pages can be printed at home using templates or software designed specifically for stamp album creation. Printable pages offer many advantages, including the ability to customize pages to fit specific stamp sizes, themes or personal preferences. They can also be updated or replaced easily, making it a cost-effective option for collectors with growing or changing collections. However, it is important to note that printing at home requires a high-quality printer and paper, and proper storage to avoid damage to the stamps over time.
Pros: Printable album pages allow collectors to create and use pages tailored to their individual preferences and needs. This can include designing pages to fit specific stamp sizes or themes, or arranging stamps in unique ways. Printable album pages can be a more cost-effective option for collectors, as they can be printed at home for the pages the collector needs. Additionally, printable album pages can be easily updated or replaced as collections grow or change. This can be particularly useful for collectors who frequently acquire new stamps.
Cons: Printing at home can lead to lower-quality prints, especially if the printer or paper used is not of high quality. This can result in a lower-quality display for the stamps, as well as reduced durability over time. It is important to ensure that printable album pages are stored properly to prevent damage to the stamps over time. This can include using acid-free paper and keeping the pages in a dry, cool environment to prevent moisture damage. Creating printable album pages can be a time-consuming process, especially for collectors who are not familiar with stamp album software or design.
You can purchase printable album pages for your specific collection online on BidCurios. Check out our large selection of printable album pages available for you to purchase and print at home.
Stockbooks
Stockbooks are another popular way of storing stamps. They are similar to stamp albums but with plain pages without pre-printed grids. Collectors can insert their stamps into clear pockets on the pages. Stockbooks come in different sizes and colors.
Pros: Stockbooks are affordable and provide a flexible way of storing stamps. The clear pockets allow collectors to view their stamps without removing them, which helps to minimize the risk of damage.
Cons: Unlike stamp albums, stockbooks do not provide a systematic way of storing stamps. Collectors may need to arrange the stamps in a specific order to keep track of their collection. Also, the clear pockets may not be suitable for long-term storage as they can cause fading and discoloration of stamps.
Glassine Envelopes
Glassine envelopes are small, translucent envelopes made from a thin, glossy paper. They are commonly used to store stamps individually. Glassine envelopes are available in various sizes and can be purchased in bulk.
Pros: Glassine envelopes provide a cost-effective way of storing stamps, especially for collectors with a limited budget. The envelopes protect the stamps from dust and other environmental factors, and the translucent material allows collectors to view their stamps without removing them.
Cons: Glassine envelopes are not suitable for long-term storage as they are prone to aging, which can cause the envelopes to become brittle and the stamps to stick to the paper. Also, glassine envelopes do not provide a systematic way of storing stamps, and collectors may need to sort them manually.
Hinges
Hinges are small, adhesive pieces of paper used to attach stamps to album pages. Hinges are a popular way of storing stamps for collectors who prefer to use stamp albums. Hinges are available in different sizes and can be purchased in bulk.
Pros: Hinges are affordable and provide a convenient way of attaching stamps to album pages. They also allow collectors to remove and replace stamps without damaging them.
Cons: The use of hinges can cause damage to stamps over time. The adhesive on the hinges can become acidic and cause discoloration or fading of stamps. Hinges can also leave residue on the stamps or album pages, which can be difficult to remove.
Mounts
Mounts are clear plastic sleeves used to store stamps. Mounts are available in different sizes and are designed to fit specific stamp sizes. Collectors can insert their stamps into the mounts and then attach them to album pages.
Coinage of India began somewhere between early 1st millennium BCE to the 6th century BCE, and consisted mainly of copper and silver coins in its initial stage. Ancient Indian coins were stamped bars of metal. The kingdoms that minted their own coins included Gandhara, Kuntala, Kuru, Panchala, Magadha, Shakya, Surasena and Surashtra etc.
The precise date of the first appearance of coins in India is not known, but archaeological evidence suggests that coins were already being made and used in northern India by the mid-fourth century BC. The oldest coins so far discovered in India were made of weighed pieces of silver, stamped on only one side with between one and five punches. Such coins are now known as ‘punch-marked’ coins. The earliest of these seem to be oval and stamped by four round punches with symbolic designs. The force of the punches curved the metal so that these coins are dish-shaped. Smaller examples have also been reported with one or two punches only.
Cowry shells were first used in India as commodity money. The Indus Valley Civilization may have used metals of fixed weights such as silver for trade activities which is evident from the DK area of Mohenjo Daro from the late Harappan perod (dated 1900-1800 BC or 1750 BC). Similarities have been recorded between Punch marked coin symbols with those appearing in the Indus seals. Chalcolithic unmarked gold disc discovered from Eran dating to 1000 BC was probably utilized as money in that time. Since the Bronze Age, ratti (0.11 or 0.12 gm) or the weight of the Gunja seeds have been used as a base unit for the measurement of mass in the Indus Valley civilization. There is evidence of countable units of precious metal being used for exchange from the Vedic period onwards. A term Nishka appears in this sense in the Rigveda. Later texts speak of cows given as gifts being adorned with pādas of gold.
Indian coin collection can be organized in many ways. Here’s how we see Indian coin list being organized. We will keep populating content for these to keep returning here for more information. Use this to organize your Indian coin collection.
A Princely state was a entity of British India that was not directly governed by British, but rather by an Indian ruler under a form of indirect rule. There were 565 princely states in India at the time of Independence in 1947.
While our blog only provides basic information about the coinage, a serious collector needs more substantive work of research. Checkout these publications that provide you with deeper insights into the coinage of India and rich information about coins of that era.
The first people with local origin who ascended the throne of the land were Karkotas. The dynasty ruled Kashmir for more than two centuries during which seventeen Rajas are said ascended the throne, one after the other. Karkota Empire (c. 625 – 885 CE) was was founded by Durlabhavardhana during the lifetime of Harshavardhan. It became a major power in the Indian subcontinent during 7th and 8th century. The dynasty marked the rise of Kashmir as a power in Northern India.
Kashmiri historian Kalhana wrote Rajatarangini (“The River of Kings”) in Sanskrit. It provides the earliest source on Kashmir that can be labeled as a “historical” text on this region.
The dynasty’s strongest ruler was Lalitaditya Muktapida who captured parts of Central Asia, Afghanistan and Punjab. Lalitaditya was able to extend the power of Kashmir beyond the normal mountain limits. Around 740 CE he defeated Yashovarman, the King of Kannauj. Lalitaditya vanquished the Turks, Tibetans, Bhutias, Kambojas and others. The claim of Lalitaditya conquering the Tibetans seems to be based on his participation in Tang campaigns against the Tibetans.
The Karkota emperors were primarily Hindu. They built spectacular Hindu temples in their capital Parihaspur. They however also allowed Buddhism to flourish under them. Stupa, Chaitya and Vihara can be found in the ruins of their capital. Martand Sun Temple in the Anantnag district were built by Lalitaditya. It is the oldest known Sun temple in India and was also one of the biggest temple complexes at the time.
Avanti Varman ascended the throne of Kashmir on 855 A.D., establishing the Utpala dynasty and ending the rule of Karkota dynasty.
The coins of few of Karkota rulars are also known, archaeologists have found coins of Durlaba and Pratapa , which are identified as the coins of Sri Durlabhadeva and Laitaditya Mukhtapida. The coins carry legend in Gupta Brahmi as Sri Durlaba and Sri Pratapa, with crude figures of Standing King and seated Goddess. Their coins have been found in hoards at Bhtawara (Fiazabad) Manu Banda Sarnath and Rajghat (Varanasi) and at the ancient site of Nalanda.
Coin of king Vajraditya (Vigraha Deva) of the Karkota dynasty of Kashmir, 763-770AD, Pratapaditya, Base Gold Dinar,
Year: 763-770 AD
Weight: 7.00gm
Dia: 21mm
Composition: Gold (base)
Obs: Abstract Kushan-style king standing left, sacrificing over altar and holding filleted standard; filleted trident to left; “Kidara” monogram in inner right field
Rev: Abstract Ardoxsho seated facing, holding filleted investiture garland and cornucopia; Brahmi “Sri Vigraha” to right, “Deva” to left
Born to Nāga Karkota (a deity), Durlabhavardhana was Baladitya’s officer in charge of fodder. Baladitya married his daughter Anangalekha to him. As the royal son-in-law, he became known as a just and wise man, and was given the title “Prajnaditya” by the king. His wife Anangalekha became involved in an extra-marital affair with the minister Kharga. Despite catching them sleeping together, Durlabhavardhana forgave Khankha, and won over his loyalty. After Baladitya’s death, Khankha crowned him the new king.
Durlabhaka (Pratapaditya II)
60 years
634 CE
Son of Durlabhavardhana and Anangalekha. He was adopted as a son by his maternal grandfather, and assumed the title Pratapaditya after the title of the grandfather’s dynasty.
Chandrapida (Vajraditya I)
8 years, 8 months
684 CE
Son of Durlabhaka and Shrinarendraprabha.
Tarapida (Udayaditya)
4 years, 24 days
693 CE
Younger brother of Chandrapida.
Muktapida (Lalitaditya I)
36 years, 7 months, 11 days
697 CE
Younger brother of Chandrapida and Tarapida. According to the historical evidence, Lalitaditya Muktapida ruled during the 8th century. Kalhana states that Lalitaditya Muktapida conquered the tribes of the north and after defeating the Kambojas, he immediately faced the Tusharas. The Tusharas did not give a fight but fled to the mountain ranges leaving their horses in the battle field. Then Lalitaditiya meets the Bhauttas in Baltistan in western Tibet north of Kashmir, then the Daradas in Karakoram/Himalaya, the Valukambudhi and then he subdues Strirajya, the Uttar Kuru/Western China and the Pragjyotisha respectively (IV.165-175). According to some historians, Kalhana has highly exaggerated the military conquests of Muktapida.
Kuvalayapida
1 year, 15 days
733 CE
Son of Lalitaditya and Kamaladevi. His short reign was marked by a succession struggle with his half-brother Vajraditya II. He abdicated the throne, and a became a hermit to seek peace.
Vajraditya II (Bappiyaka / Vappiyaka / Lalitaditya II)
7 years
734 CE
Son of Lalitaditya and Chakramardika. He was a cruel and immoral person, who introduced the evil habits of mlechchhas to Kashmir.
Prithivyapida I
4 years, 1 month
741 CE
Son of Vajraditya II and Mangjarika. Deposed by his half-brother Sangramapida.
Sangramapida I
7 days
745 CE
Son of Vajraditya II and Massa. Deposed his half-brother to become the king, but died after a week.
Jayapida (Vinayaditya); Jajja
31 years; 3 years
745 CE
Youngest son of Vajradjtya II. He erected a monument at Prayaga, which existed at Kalhana’s time. His wife Kalyanadevi was the daughter of Jayanta, the king Pundravardhana in Gauda region. Jayapida subdued five kings of Gauda, and made them vassals of his father-in-law. On his way back to Kashmir, he also defeated the king of Kanyakubja. While Jayapida was in Gauda, his brother-in-law usurped the throne in Kashmir. After three years of ruling Kashmir, Jajja was killed by Shrideva, a supporter of Jayapida. Jayapida became the king once again, and patronized scholars. He waged wars against Bhimasena of the East and Aramuri of Nepala. In both instances, he was first imprisoned by the enemy king, but managed to escape and defeated the enemy. During the last years of his reign, he imposed excessive taxes on advice of Kayasthas, and treated his subjects cruelly. He died because of a curse by a Brahmin.
Lalitapida
12 years
776 CE
Son of Jayapida and Durgi. He devoted his time to sensual pleasures, and neglected royal duties.
Sangramapida II (Prithivyapida II)
7 years
788 CE
Son of Jayapida and Kalyana.
Chippatajayapida (Brhspati / Vrihaspati)
12 years
795 CE
Son of Lalitapida and his concubine Jayadevi. The actual power was in hands of Jayadevi’s brothers Padma, Utpalaka, Kalyana, Mamma and Dharmma.
Ajitapida
37 years
813 CE
Son of Lalitapida and Jayadevi, made the king by his maternal uncle Utpalaka. Dethroned by Utpalaka’s rival Mamma and the latter’s son Yashovarman.
Anangapida
3 years
849 CE
Son of Sangramapida II. Made king by Mamma and Yashovarman.
Utpalapida
2 years
852 CE
Son of Ajitapida. Made king by Sukhavarman, the son of Utpala. Deposed by the minister Shura.
