The Coins gallery on the first floor of the National Museum traces the journey of Indian currency from the days of cowrie shells to plastic money or credit cards as we know them. Between cowrie shells and credit cards, lies the story of Indian currency and coinage.
The state-of-art display of 1669 coins in this gallery encapsulates the history and evolution of Indian coinage beginning around 6th century BC and ending with the present day. The National Museum collection of coins is remarkable for its variety, rarity and antiquity.
A variety of methods and techniques were used at different periods of time in history at different geographic locations for coin production and minting money.
From the earliest bent bar, punch mar
