Kala Academy, Goa recently showcased an exhibition of currencies and coins of over 235 countries and titles by noted numismatic Vasant Datar from Pune. I was amazed to know that the total net worth of the currencies was over Rs 22 crores.
The exhibition displayed coins from East India Company and there after King George V and VI. I was fascinated to see coins of one, three, six escudos and ten, thirty, sixty centavos which were used during Portuguese rule in Goa. Coins of different shapes also attracted the viewers. The exhibition also brushed upon the geography as I could know the names of few more countries such as Mauritania, Transdniestria, Vanuatu which do not otherwise figure in news.
I was surprised to know that Antarctica region also had currency notes of its own, not to mention that all had iconic penguins picture. The 23 karat gold currency notes of government of Antigua and Barbados made my jaws drop!
The otherwise non-existent beyond Japan, Yen also made its presence at the exhibition. The exhibition had special section of unique currency notes such as Million Pound Note printed after World war II, one lakh Rupee denomination notes of Indonesia, One Hundred Rupees (yes Rupees) note, One Hundred Dollars (yes Dollars) printed by Japan, One Million Dollars note printed by Unites States of America. One section displayed notes of Global Country under name Raam. It was informed that on the auspicious day of Vijaya Dashmi ie October 26, 2001, Maharshi Vedic City Council in Iowa State (USA) launched and circulated Raam Mudra, the currency notes depicting the portrait of Lord Ram.
Presently this global peace country has three denomination currency notes namely 1 Raam, 5 Raam and 10 Raam with rate of exchange 1 Raam = 10 US Dollars. It is accepted in 35 US states and in Netherlands.
