This will be new to many readers.

1. MUSCAT & OMAN / SULTANATE OF OMAN

Historical Background

• These coins capture Oman’s evolution from the Imamate and Sultanate period under Fessul bin Turkee (Imam of Muscat & Oman, 1888–1913) to Sa’id bin Taimur (Sultan 1932–1970).
• The currency denominations such as Anna, Baisa, and Buqsha show Indo-Arabic influence and transition from Indian currency system to independent issues.

Notable Coins

• ¼ Anna (AH 1305 / 1888 AD): Issued under Fessul bin Turkee, Indo-Arabic influence evident.
• 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 Baisa coins (AH 1350–1390): Under Sultan Sa’id bin Taimur, many of these were minted in India and the UK, showing Oman’s modernizing economic links.
• Coin marked “Dhow” (1962): The 5 Baisa coin showing a dhow symbolizes Oman’s maritime heritage.
• The meticulous annotation “Now called Oman” reflects the post-1970 renaming and modernization under Sultan Qaboos.

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2. PALESTINE MANDATE COINS (British Mandate Era 1927–1948)

Historical Background

• These coins were issued under British rule, with legends in Hebrew, Arabic, and English.

Notable Coins

• 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 mils: The mil was the subunit of the Palestine pound. These coins are iconic due to their trilingual inscriptions.
• 1935, 1942, 1945 coins: Especially rare are high-grade coins from WWII years due to metal shortages.
• Olive branch emblem (50 and 100 mils): Signifies peace—symbolically rich given the region’s history.

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3. QATAR & DUBAI / HEJAZ / MECCA / MUTAWAKKILITE KINGDOM OF YEMEN

Historical Background

• The Qatar & Dubai currency (1966) is a brief but fascinating series prior to Qatar and Dubai joining other currency unions (e.g., UAE Dirham and Qatari Riyal). The goitered gazelle on coins is a national symbol.
• The Hejaz & Nejd coins represent pre-Saudi unification era, under Ibn Saud and Husain bin Ali. These coins often used the ghirsh denomination (Ottoman in origin).
• Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen (Sana’a): These coins from the early 20th century AH 1351–1371 are scarce and show Islamic inscriptions, pre-dating the Yemen Arab Republic.

Notable Coins

• 1 Dirham (1966 Qatar & Dubai): Marked as joint currency before Qatar issued its own riyals.
• Hejaz ¼ Ghirsh coins (AH 1334–1341): Important transitional coins showing Saudi consolidation.
• Mutawakkilite Yemen 1 Buqsha: Coins of Al-Nasir Ahmad bin Yahya, many from Sana’a mint, are seldom found in such preserved state.

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Key Highlights of the Collection

• Impeccable presentation: Neatly labeled with dates in both Hijri (AH) and Gregorian, mint details, rulers’ names, and even historical notes (e.g., “Now Sultanate of Oman”, “Dispute between Jews and Arabs”).
• Rare denominations: Several low-denomination coins like ¼ ghirsh and 1 mils are hard to find in good condition.
• Historical transitions: Coins reflect political shifts—from British Mandate to national currencies, and from fragmented emirates to unified nations (e.g., Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman).

Art Collection: Hand Drawings

Sharing some of Dad’s hand drawn cartoons, using popular comics as a reference.

You know them all, of course. 🙂

A beautiful and carefully preserved set of coins! These coins from Ratlam State and Ratlam Region are rich in history and iconography.

1. Ratlam Region Paisa (AH) – Various Symbols

These coins are likely from the 18th to early 19th century, with Islamic Hijri (AH) dating. Ratlam was a princely state under the British Raj, and its currency often featured Persian or Devanagari inscriptions, along with regional motifs.

• The symbols (like floral patterns, abstract shapes, and dotted circles) are typical countermarks or mint marks.
• Each coin bears a unique countermark, possibly denoting different issues or years.

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🪙 2. Ratlam State Paisa – Ruler: Ranjit Singh (VS 1945–47)

These coins are from the later period of Ratlam State:

• VS 1945 & 1947 = AD 1888 and 1890 (approx.).
• Clearly marked “Mint: Ratlam”.
• Coins feature Hanuman, depicted either standing or seated, sometimes holding a gada (mace) – a powerful icon of devotion and strength.
• This iconography ties to the religious beliefs of the ruling class or the populace.

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🪙 3. Special Mentions

• “Lion facing left” coin with round countermark: This is notable. Lion imagery often symbolized power or British influence in some princely issues.
• “Rayil Currency” (Railway Currency?) under PARDAM SINGH and R.Y. 25: Likely a local fiscal token used for limited trade or rail-related payments within the Ratlam region.

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📌 Observations:

• These are mostly copper paisa coins.
• AH and VS dating systems are used: AH (Islamic) and VS (Vikram Samvat – Hindu calendar).
• Some coins might be machine struck, while others appear to be hand struck, indicating a transition period.

Lunavada State – Lion Coin (VS 1949 / 1892 AD)

• Ruler: Wakhat Singhji
• Unique Feature: Lion motif in square shape (rare and distinctive!)
• Script: Devanagari (rare for lion coins, usually Persian or symbolic)
• Variants:
  • One with open hand motif
  • One with irregular planchet struck over earlier coin (a fascinating mint error or economic reuse!)

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Highlights of Lunavada Variants:

• Open Hand Symbol: Possibly linked to Jain or Hindu symbolism (blessing or protection)
• Overstruck Coin: A rich piece for study—these overstruck types are extremely collectible!
• Shape: Unusual shapes (square, irregular) make them even more valuable to collectors.

Coins: Ancient: Lunavada State:

Lunavada State – Lion Coin (VS 1949 / 1892 AD)

• Ruler: Wakhat Singhji
• Unique Feature: Lion motif in square shape (rare and distinctive!)
• Script: Devanagari (rare for lion coins, usually Persian or symbolic)
• Variants:
  o One with open hand motif
  o One with irregular planchet struck over earlier coin (a fascinating mint error or economic reuse!)

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Highlights of Lunavada Variants:

• Open Hand Symbol: Possibly linked to Jain or Hindu symbolism (blessing or protection)
• Overstruck Coin: A rich piece for study—these overstruck types are extremely collectible!
• Shape: Unusual shapes (square, irregular) make them even more valuable to collectors.

# Coins: Continuing the Copper Coins Collection:

These coins are beautiful pieces from Jaipur State, part of the princely states of British India.

1. Jaipur State Nazarana Paisa (1947)
Mint: Jaipur
Denomination: Nazarana Paisa
Year: 1947
RY (Regnal Year): 26
Ruler: Maharaja Man Singh II
Notes:
Nazarana coins were usually minted for ceremonial purposes or as presentation coins, often struck with special care.

1947 is historically significant as it is the year of India’s independence.

2. Jaipur State Nazarana Paisa (1941)
Mint: Jaipur
Denomination: Nazarana Paisa
Year: 1941
RY: 20
Ruler: Maharaja Man Singh II
Symbol: The scorpion symbol drawn at the bottom left is traditional in Jaipur coins, sometimes indicating mint marks or religious symbolism.

3. Jaipur State 2 Annas (1942)
Mint: Jaipur
Denomination: 2 Annas (Square Coin)
Year: 1942
RY: 21
Ruler: Maharaja Man Singh II
Note: Reference to George VI shows this was during British paramountcy, where coins sometimes bore references to the British monarch even in princely states.

These are fascinating copper coins from various Princely States of pre-independent India and neighboring regions.

1. Arcot State – Paisa
Mint: Arkat (Arcot)

Metal: Copper

Denomination: Paisa

Note: Arcot was a Mughal Subah (province) and later a Nawabdom in the Carnatic region of South India. Arcot coins often feature Persian/Arabic inscriptions.

Era: Likely from the late Mughal or Nawab period (18th–early 19th century).

2. Awadh (Oudh) State – Paisa
Mint: Najibabad

Date: AH 122x (Early 19th century)

Metal: Copper

Denomination: Paisa

Design Note: Features the fish symbol, a famous emblem of Awadh.

Historical Context: Awadh (Oudh) was a wealthy princely state in North India, famous for its unique coinage. Najibabad was one of its mints.

3. Bahawalpur State – 1/4 Anna (Copper)
Date: 1940 AD / AH 1359

Ruler: Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan V

Metal: Copper

Denomination: ¼ Anna

Design: Features the portrait of Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan.

Historical Context: Bahawalpur was a princely state now in modern-day Pakistan. The coin shows the transition towards more modern, portrait-based coins.

4. Banswara State – Paisa (Anonymous Issue)
Metal: Copper

Denomination: Paisa

Design: Features a unique symbol (resembling an ancient royal insignia).

Note: Labeled as an Anonymous Issue, meaning no ruler’s name is mentioned, common in some Rajput princely states.

Era: Likely 18th–19th century.

5. Bela State – Falus
Ruler: Mahmud Khan

Metal: Copper

Denomination: Falus (an old term for copper coins)

Design: Floral or emblematic motif visible.

Historical Context: Bela was a lesser-known princely state, possibly from the Baluchistan region. Mahmud Khan was one of its rulers.

Some interesting coins from our collection:

A)Colonial India Coins (European Settlements)

1. Dutch – Negapatnam (Nagapattinam)
   • Coin: VOC Monogram (Dutch East India Company)
   • Metal: Likely copper
   • Denomination: Cash
2. Danish – Tranquebar (1776)
   • Coin: IV Kas
   • DAC Monogram
   • Metal: Copper
   • Issued by Danish East India Company
3. French – Arcot Mint (Rupee)
   • Silver Rupee
   • Year: AH 1221 (Islamic Hijri year)
   • Inscription in Persian
4. Portuguese – Diu Bazaruco
   • Date: 1686
   • Portuguese India coin with a cross design
   • Metal: Copper

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📌 B) Maratha Empire Coins

1. Cuttack Mint – Trident design
   • Denomination: Paisa
   • Symbol: Trishul (Trident)
2. Satara Rajas
   • Denomination: Paisa
   • Devanagari script
3. Katak Mint – Silver Rupee
   • Indigenous Maratha mint
   • Devanagari script
4. Poona Mint – Silver Rupee
   • Prominent Maratha mint (Pune)
   • Devanagari legend

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📌 C) Mughal and Regional Coins (Rupees)

1. Farrukhabad Mint (Shah Alam II)
   • Mughal Rupee
   • Reg. Year 21
   • Minted in 3 places
2. Gurkha Kingdom (Nepal) – Srinagar Mint
   • Coin issued during Givban Yuddha (Gorkha wars)
   • Timasha (small denomination silver coin)
3. Rohilkhand – Panipat Mint
   • Two rupees of Shah Alam II
   • Years: AH 1193 and AH 1198
   • Strong Rohilla influence in this region

Just five sheets from Dad’s #Travancore stamps/covers collection. Each sheet is handwritten/drawn by him, when explaining the postmarks.

A fascinating aspect of Travancore’s postal history, highlighting different types of postmarks and cancellations. Here’s an overview of these philatelic gems:

The first page discusses the division of Travancore postmarks into vernacular and English groups.

A key feature is the pre-stamp circular date postmark, typically found in a rimless circle with concentric arcs.

The sample postmark from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) dates back to the pre-stamp period.

Delivery Postmarks

A postmark from Nagercoil features a double-ringed circular date stamp with “DELY.” (short for delivery).

The date format is structured with abbreviations for the month and year.

The postmark is flanked by four-pointed stars, which is a distinct design element.

Refused Mail Cancellations

A rectangular “REFUSED” cancellation appears on registered items.

The example from Chengannur A.O. is dated 27 Kar 118 (Travancore Era).

Another example from Parur A.O. is in a slightly larger rectangular format and dated 4th Thu 122.

Express Delivery (അടിയന്തിരം – “Adiyanthiram”)

Express service markings are prominently displayed.

The first example is from Ettumanoor A.O., dated 26 DHA 88.

Another example from Nagercoil, dated 29 VRI 105, shows a similar rectangular marking.

Express Service Markings of Travancore

This marking is divided into three sections, with “ATIYANTRAM” (Express) at the top.

The middle sections contain words like “SAMAYAM” (Time), “MANI” (Hour), and “MINITTU” (Minutes).

English versions of these markings are also seen on registration slips.