dna special: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena fumes over bid to auction rare coin

The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Friday warned an auction house against the proposed sale of one gold Hoan (Hun) coin that was issued by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during his coronation.

MNS corporator from Dadar Sandeep Deshpande has written a letter to the auction house and also to CM Prithviraj Chavan to ensure the coin remains within the state.

“I learnt about the auction to be held on Sunday. I have warned the auction house against it. I have requested the CM to either take the coin in the government’s custody or buy it at the auction. It is the heritage of Maharashtra and the state should make it a point that the coin does not go out of the state,” Deshpande said.

Confirming the receipt of letter from the corporator, Dr Dilip Rajgor, proprietor of Rajgor’s Auctions NGS of India Pvt Ltd, said no one can be stopped like this.

“I am ready to discuss the issue with Deshpande. I can explain to him about the auction procedure and the importance of the coin,” Rajgor said. He added each coin weighs less than 3 grams, with 11.96 mm thickness and a plain edge. The estimated price of the coin would start from Rs12 lakh; it can go up to Rs20 lakh or more.

“I expect enthusiastic people from across Maharashtra will come forward to retain this heritage within the state,” Rajgor said.

He added there was nothing he can do if one wants to put the coin on sale. He said Shivaji Maharaj is regarded as a national hero and the coin can be anywhere in India.
However, as per law, it cannot be taken out of the country.

The writing on the...
The obverse of the rare gold coin, called Hoan (Hun) reads ‘Chhatra’ and ‘pati’ in two lines; on the reverse there is the Nagari legend ‘Shri’, ‘Raja’ and ‘Shiva’ in three lines.