Auction of antiques fetches Rs 30 lakh

An auction of rare coins, medals and paper money organised here on the Independence day received a huge response indicating the current economic slowdown has not affected the market for antiques.

Mumbai-based Todywalla Auction, a certified numismatic auctioneer, generated nearly Rs 30 lakh from its 37th auction, during which Ram Tanka, a 44 gram gold temple token, was sold for Rs 2 lakh.

"We have generated nearly Rs 30 lakh through auction of rare coins, tokens, medals and paper money. The (success) rate of sale during the auction was about 80 per cent," said Malcolm F Todywalla, company's spokesperson.

"Highlight of the auction was the sale of a rare Ram Tanka, with a description of Ram Darbar with Ram and Sita sitting on a throne and attendants, including Hanuman offering oblations to the divine couple, standing besides them," Todywalla said.

Besides, a Kutch State gold coin with ‘Jai Hind’ inscribed on it went for Rs 1.60 lakh, Rajendra Chola gold coin for Rs 1.55 lakh and a 6th century BC coin for Rs 24,000. The other objects which went under the hammer include a gold Pagoda, an old coin of Goa for Rs 1.20 lakh, Akbar Silver rupee of Agra mint for Rs 1.50 lakh, and Faridkot's Harindar Singh Brar silver nazrana rupee for Rs 87,000.

Over 224 rare objects, including ancient coins, Hindu coins of medieval India, foreign coins, tokens, medals and paper money were put on auction.