The Story Of India Through Its Coins A collection of Indian coins that tells the story of the country's development from its ancient beginnings to the period following independence is to be sold by Morton & Eden on December 11.
News-Antique.com - Nov 24,2008 - A comprehensive collection of Indian coins that tells the story of the country's social and economic development from its ancient beginnings to the period following independence is to be sold by specialist auctioneers Morton & Eden as part of a two-day sale in London on December 11.
The collection comprises 249 pieces, including 34 gold coins. It will be sold as one lot and is expected to realise around £20,000.
The collection was formed by Dr. Walter R. Rutz (1904-1970), a Swiss businessman who spent most of his working life in India. Dr Rutz was the chief accountant for the Swiss commodities trading and engineering company Volkart Brothers. During his time in India, he acquired a great love and respect for the country and its cultural heritage, which gave rise to his interest in its coinage.
The coins date from ancient to modern times, starting from the 5th century BC when thin primitive silver currency bars were stamped for use as currency in northern India. The collection continues to chart the country's development through to the 20th century with coins issued both before and after independence from Britain in 1947.
Among the early gold coins is a rare quarter stater of the Kushan ruler Kanishka I (AD 100-126); a Kushan stater of Huvishka (AD 126-163) and a Gupta stater of Chandragupta II (AD 380-414). Later coins include Mughal gold mohurs of Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb of the 16th-17th centuries.
However, the most commercially valuable section of the collection is a group of 60 proof coins of British India covering the reigns of William IV, Queen Victoria, Edward VII, George V and George VI.
Morton & Eden specialist in Indian coins, Jeremy Cheek said: "Most of these coins are official restrikes made at the Bombay mint. Today they are scarce and very collectable and it is certainly unusual for so many to be offered together at auction.
"The collection is being kept intact as a memorial to the collector and is being sold by a family descendant. We expect it to realise a price of around £20,000."
For further information, please contact Jeremy Cheek of Morton & Eden Ltd, 45 Maddox Street, London W1S 2PE on 0207 493 5344 or jeremy@mortonandeden.com
