India’s Premier Numismatic Exhibition in Surat

Discover COINEX SURAT 2025, the three-day coin exhibition from 13 to 15 May 2025 at Krushimangal Hall, Surat. Explore rare coins, attend grading workshops, live auctions, and network with top collectors and dealers. Free admission for all enthusiasts.
Overview of COINEX SURAT 2025 and key details
Historical evolution of coin exhibitions in India
Why Surat? The city’s numismatic and commercial heritage
Main attractions: rare coins, commemorative issues, and modern currency
Educational workshops: grading, preservation, and authentication
Professional services: appraisal, valuation, and certification
Live auctions and special sessions: preview and bidding
Networking and community: clubs, societies, and dealer meet-ups
Venue logistics: layout, hours, and visitor amenities
Travel, accommodation, and local sightseeing
Safety, accessibility, and COVID-19 measures
Tips for first-time attendees and seasoned collectors
Future outlook: COINEX Surat’s role in India’s numismatic scene
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
Overview of COINEX SURAT 2025 and Key Details
COINEX SURAT 2025 takes place from 13 to 15 May 2025 at Krushimangal Hall, First Floor, Near Old RTO, Majura Gate Ring Road, Surat, Gujarat 395001. Organized by local numismatic enthusiasts, the fair welcomes the public free of charge, running daily from 10 AM to 6 PM IST . Over three days, more than 200 stalls will feature coins, tokens, medals, and banknotes from dealers and collectors across India and abroad, making it one of the largest gatherings in western India .
Historical Evolution of Coin Exhibitions in India
Numismatic fairs in India trace back to the early 20th century, evolving from small club meetings to large-scale exhibitions . Post-Independence, regional coin clubs began hosting annual shows to celebrate India’s rich monetary heritage and facilitate trading among collectors. In Gujarat, the success of COINEX Ahmedabad (February 2025) inspired the creation of a dedicated Surat edition to cater to southern Gujarati collectors.
India’s rich numismatic tradition dates back more than 2,500 years, with coins from ancient Mahajanapadas, Mauryan punch-marked issues, Indo-Greek drachmas, Gupta gold dinars, and countless medieval and colonial coins. However, while coinage has been part of India’s historical and cultural fabric for centuries, the tradition of organized coin exhibitions is a much more recent phenomenon. The evolution of coin exhibitions in India reflects the growing interest in numismatics as a serious hobby, an academic discipline, and an investment avenue.
Early Beginnings: Private Collecting and Scholarly Circles (Before 1950s)
In pre-Independence India, coin collecting was largely a domain of royalty, academics, and colonial officials. Collections were kept private and rarely shown publicly. Early numismatists like Sir Alexander Cunningham and Dr. R. B. Whitehead contributed significantly to Indian numismatic research, but the dissemination of this knowledge remained limited to scholarly circles.
The first numismatic societies—such as the Numismatic Society of India (NSI), founded in 1910 in Varanasi—played an instrumental role in cataloguing and discussing ancient and medieval coinage. These societies organized internal meetings, published journals, and facilitated exchange of information among coin scholars, but public exhibitions were virtually nonexistent during this period.
Post-Independence Growth and Public Engagement (1950s–1980s)
After India’s independence in 1947, the growing middle class and academic institutions began showing renewed interest in India’s historical legacy, including coins. The 1950s to 1970s saw the gradual establishment of public museums with numismatic collections, such as:
- Indian Museum, Kolkata
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), Mumbai
- Government Museum, Chennai
While these museums exhibited coins, full-fledged coin exhibitions as standalone events were still rare.
By the late 1970s, with the formation of state-level and city-based numismatic societies like:
- The Mumbai Coin Society
- The Gujarat Coin Society
- The Karnataka Numismatic Society
…interest began to spill beyond museums into organized public coin exhibitions, though these were still modest in scale, often hosted in community halls or academic institutions.
The Emergence of Dedicated Coin Shows (1990s–2000s)
The 1990s marked a turning point for coin exhibitions in India, coinciding with globalization and India’s economic liberalization. Increased disposable income, exposure to global hobbies, and the rise of professional dealers and auction houses contributed to the mainstreaming of numismatics.
Coin fairs began to emerge in metro cities:
- Bombay Coin Fair (by Mumbai Coin Society)
- Hyderabad Numismatic Exhibition
- Delhi Coin Fair
These events featured dealer booths, lectures, coin appraisal counters, and even small-scale auctions. Coin exhibitions were now becoming weekend destinations for not just serious collectors, but also casual visitors, students, and families.
At the same time, coin collecting was no longer limited to ancient and medieval coins. Interest expanded to include:
- British India coinage
- Republic of India commemorative coins
- Error coins and fancy-number currency notes
Digital Era and National-Scale Events (2010–Present)
The 2010s saw a further professionalization of coin exhibitions in India. Events were now branded and scheduled annually, drawing participation from all corners of the country. Some standout events include:
- MIF Paper Money Fair, Maastricht (India Pavilion) – showcasing Indian currency abroad
- PINF Porto International Numismatic Fair – with growing Indian participation
- Rajgor’s Auctions and Marudhar Arts Coin Fairs – combining exhibitions with live bidding events
Cities like Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Nagpur, Pune, Kolkata, and Surat started their own annual fairs under the banner of “Coinex,” such as:
- COINEX Ahmedabad
- COINEX Nagpur
- COINEX Surat (introduced in the 2020s)
Features of modern exhibitions now typically include:
- Fully air-conditioned venues
- QR-coded entry passes
- Digital catalogues
- Grading and encapsulation booths
- Live and online auctions
- Expert panel discussions
Additionally, events now collaborate with schools and universities to engage students, offering educational workshops, essay contests, and junior collector zones.
Why Surat? The City’s Numismatic and Commercial Heritage
Surat’s history as a port city since the Mughal era makes it a natural hub for numismatics . Traders along the old Surat-Cambay route amassed coins from the Sultanate, Mughal, Maratha, and British periods, leaving a legacy cherished by modern collectors . Today, Surat’s strategic location and thriving diamond and textile industries draw visitors from across India, ensuring strong footfall for COINEX SURAT 2025.
Main Attractions: Rare Coins, Commemorative Issues, and Modern Currency
Attendees can expect to see:
- Mughal Silver Rupees and Gold Mohurs from the reigns of Akbar, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb, sourced from private collections .
- British India Coinage, including proof sets and error strikes from the East India Company and British Crown periods.
- Republic Commemorative Coins, highlighting milestones such as the 150th anniversary of the Bombay Stock Exchange, issued by the Government of India Mint (Mumbai) .
- Modern Circulation and Theme Series, including Wildlife, Tribal Art, and Space centenaries .
In addition, thematic displays on coin metallurgy and minting techniques will run throughout the hall.
Educational Workshops: Grading, Preservation, and Authentication
COINEX SURAT 2025 features daily workshops led by certified experts from the American Numismatic Association and local numismatic societies . Topics include:
- Grading Standards: Understanding Sheldon and PCGS scales .
- Preservation Techniques: Best practices for cleaning and storing coins without damage .
- Authentication Methods: Identifying counterfeits using magnification and metal assays .
Each session accommodates up to 50 participants, with materials and take-home guides provided.
Professional Services: Appraisal, Valuation, and Certification
On-site professional services include:
- Expert Appraisals by seasoned dealers, offering free preliminary evaluations and paid detailed reports .
- Certification Booths, where coins can be submitted to PCGS, NGC, and local grading labs for official encapsulation.
- Insurance Consultations to advise high-value collectors on securing their collections.
These services ensure transparency and trust between buyers and sellers.
Live Auctions and Special Sessions: Preview and Bidding
Every evening at 5 PM, COINEX SURAT hosts live auctions featuring rare lots:
- Heritage Lot: A 1658 Aurangzeb Gold Mohur, estimated at ₹2–3 lakhs.
- Colonial Rarity: 1902 Edward VII Silver Rupee with mint error.
- Modern Highlights: 2025 ₹75 Wildlife coin in ultra-proof finish.
Preview sessions run from 2 PM to 4 PM daily, with digital bidding available via a mobile app.
Networking and Community: Clubs, Societies, and Dealer Meet-Ups
Beyond commerce, COINEX SURAT fosters community:
- Surat Numismatic Society Meet-and-Greet, welcoming new members.
- Panel Discussion: “The Future of Numismatics in India,” featuring ANA and Gujarat Numismatic Society representatives .
- Collector-Dealer Roundtables to discuss market trends and investment strategies.
These events build lasting relationships across the hobby.
Venue Logistics: Layout, Hours, and Visitor Amenities
Krushimangal Hall offers:
- Three Exhibition Zones (East, Central, West) organized by coin type and era.
- Food Court and Rest Areas serving local Gujarati cuisine.
- Accessibility Features: Ramps, reserved seating, and audio guides for visually impaired visitors.
- Information Desks at all entrances with multi-lingual volunteers.
Doors open at 10 AM and close at 6 PM each day. Parking is available at the adjacent municipal lot.
Travel, Accommodation, and Local Sightseeing
Surat is well-connected by air (Surat International Airport, 15 km), rail, and highway . Recommended nearby hotels include:
- The Grand Bhagwati (5 km, luxury)
- Hotel The Metropole (3 km, mid-range)
- Budget Inns near Ring Road (1–2 km)
While in Surat, visitors can explore:
- Surat Castle (16th century fort)
- Sarthana Nature Park and Dutch Garden
- Textile Market Tours, showcasing Surat’s famous silk and diamond districts.
Tips for First-Time Attendees and Seasoned Collectors
- Plan Ahead: Review the exhibitor list on the official website before arrival.
- Bring Equipment: A loupe, gloves, and a small scale if you intend to buy bulk lots .
- Set a Budget: Live auctions can drive up prices quickly.
- Network Early: Attend the first-day meet-and-greet to secure introductions.
- Document Your Purchases: Keep invoices and photos for insurance and resale.
Future Outlook: COINEX Surat’s Role in India’s Numismatic Scene
COINEX SURAT 2025 cements Surat’s place alongside Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad as a key node in India’s numismatic circuit . Organizers plan to expand exhibitor slots and introduce a digital coin gallery in 2026, fostering hybrid physical-virtual attendance and international collaboration.
Conclusion
COINEX SURAT 2025 offers a rich blend of commerce, education, and community for coin enthusiasts. From rare Mughal gold to modern commemorative issues, from grading workshops to live auctions, every aspect is designed to deepen understanding and appreciation of numismatics. Surat’s historic charm and modern infrastructure provide the perfect backdrop. Whether you’re looking to expand your collection, learn from experts, or simply immerse yourself in the world of coins, COINEX SURAT 2025 is the must-attend event of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates and timings of COINEX SURAT 2025?
COINEX SURAT 2025 runs from 13 May to 15 May 2025, daily from 10 AM to 6 PM IST.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Admission is free for all visitors.
Where is the venue located?
Krushimangal Hall, First Floor, Near Old RTO, Majura Gate Ring Road, Surat, Gujarat 395001.
Can I participate in the live auctions remotely?
Yes. An official mobile app allows for digital bidding during live auctions.
Are grading and certification services available on site?
Absolutely. PCGS, NGC, and local labs have booths for on-spot submissions .
What COVID-19 precautions are in place?
Sanitizer stations, optional mask zones, contactless payments, and an on-site medical tent ensure visitor safety.
How can I contact the organisers for stall bookings?
Reach out to Akshay Kathiriya at +91 99792 33292 for stall and sponsorship inquiries.
Are workshops included in the free admission?
Basic entry is free, but some advanced workshops require a nominal registration fee. Details are on the official website.
Is parking available at the venue?
Yes. A municipal parking lot adjacent to Krushimangal Hall accommodates up to 150 vehicles.
What else can I do in Surat during my visit?
Don’t miss Surat Castle, the Dutch Garden, and the bustling textile markets showcasing world-famous Surat diamonds and silk.
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