Here's a course for numismatic fans

The Alkesh Dinesh Mody Numismatic Museum (ADMNM) is all set to launch a slew of short one to three month long weekend courses in March for numismatics aficionados.

The coin museum at Mumbai University's Kalina campus is one of the largest coin museums in India. It has over 26,000 varieties of currency artifacts in the form of coins, seals, tokens, ornaments and notes dating back 3000 years.

COURSE CONTENTS
The courses will range from a beginner's course on an introduction to coins from sixth century BC till date to advanced courses on ancient coins (Brahmi, Kharosi and Greek), Islamic coins (Persian and Arabic) and modern coins (from last 300 years).

There will also be a special course on coin photography. A two-year master's course in numismatics and archaeology.   

All courses will be taught practically with the museum collection being the students' study arena. "Nobody can learn numismatics from books. Students will have to handle and learn how to examine coins and sketch them on paper to understand and remember the uniqueness of each variety. The courses will be open to all. Students, hobbyists, collectors and dealers have already expressed their desire to enrol," Rajgor added.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Beyond plain interest, the courses can open up many professional avenues. "Many Indian museums and universities which teach subjects like history, archaeology and culture require numismatics experts. Even small coin shops to international auction houses are in dire need of numismatic specialists to identify and value artifacts," Rajgor informed.

History is validated through coins. Textbooks have recorded only six successors of Alexander the Great, but coins give proof of existence of 22 Indo-Greek kings. Surprisingly their silver coins from first century BC in Afghanistan, hold inscriptions of Lord Krishna and Lord Balram," said ADMNM director Dilip Rajgor.  

Currently the museum is in talks with museums in UK for sponsored exchange programmes.