Preetham R is one of the youngest to be exhibiting his collection.
Three years ago, Preetham R stumbled upon a small box stacked with coins in the almirah and fell in love with it.
“Although my father had shown me his collection when I was much younger, it was in college that I took a liking to coins,” says the 22-year-old who completed his B.Com.
He is one of the youngest who is participating in the three-day coin exhibition conducted by Chennai Coin Club that concludes on October 25. More than 50 numismatics from different states are taking part in this event, and Preetham’s short journey with coins shows that it is never too late to start a hobby.
“I started segregating the coins in the box into different types and researching them to develop more interest,” says the resident of Ayanavaram. A one-rupee copper coin was one of his first that he brought home on his own.
Today, the youngster has a collection of 1,000 coins, with those minted from 1950 onwards being his specialisation. At the ongoing exhibition, besides selling some of his coins, he hopes to buy some rare ones to add to his collection.
For those keen on starting coin collection as a hobby now, he says, it is not just a knowledgeable and a learning experience but a good investment option.
An expo and a marketplace
Organisers of the Chennai Coin Club exhibition say the three-day event is aimed at raising awareness about counterfeit currency and fake coins that are increasingly doing the rounds. All the participants at the exhibition are experienced numismatics who are showcasing their best collection and share their knowledge. Besides antique coins, historical banknotes and vintage stamps will be showcased. The event will serve as a platform to buy, sell and exchange currencies and coins.
The organisers invite school students to come and interact with participants and hopefully, develop an interest in coin collection. Ten schools have got a special invitation to attend the event.
The exhibition is happening at Sindhu Sadan Marriage Hall, Halls Road, Egmore from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Published - October 24, 2026 08:39 pm IST