Discover Nanyadarshini 2025, the Karnataka Numismatic Society’s annual coin and currency exhibition held from July 11–13, 2025 at Bengaluru’s Shikshak Sadan (Kempegowda Road). Explore 92 stalls showcasing rare Indian coins, notes, medals, and collectibles. Entry is free. Enjoy top facilities including toilets, power, parking, food, tea/coffee, air conditioning, and water.

Introduction: Celebrating numismatic heritage of Nanyadarshini 2025

Host and Venue Details of Nanyadarshini 2025

Dates and Timings of Nanyadarshini 2025

Facilities & Stall Statistics of Nanyadarshini 2025

What to Expect: Coins, Notes & Medals

Highlights of Indian Coins on Display

Collector Engagement: Dealers, Experts & Auctions

Visitor Experience: Accessibility & Amenities

Significance for the Numismatic Community

Tips for Attendees

Future Prospects & The Society’s Role

Conclusion

FAQs

Introduction: Celebrating Numismatic Heritage of Nanyadarshini 2025

Nanyadarshini 2025 is the annual flagship exhibition organized by the Karnataka Numismatic Society in Bangalore. A celebration of India’s rich monetary history, it brings together collectors, historians, dealers, and enthusiasts under one roof to explore centuries of coinage, banknotes, and numismatic artifacts. The event offers a unique opportunity to witness rare treasures and interact with experts in the field .

Host and Venue Details of Nanyadarshini 2025

Organizer: Karnataka Numismatic Society, Bengaluru
Venue: Shikshak Sadan, Kempegowda Road (opposite Kaveri Bhavan), Nagarathpete, Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560009
This beloved venue has hosted previous editions of Nanyadarshini and other numismatic meetups, serving as a central hub for coin lovers .

Dates and Timings Nanyadarshini 2025

Taking place from July 11–13, 2025, this three-day exhibition runs from 09:00 AM to 07:00 PM daily , allowing ample time for visitors to explore and engage.

Facilities & Stall Statistics of Nanyadarshini 2025

• Total Stalls: 92 across the hall
• Highlights of Amenities Provided:
  • Clean, ample toilets
  • Reliable power supply
  • Parking for cars and two-wheelers (limited paid parking available)
  • Food counters offering snacks and refreshments
  • Tea/Coffee
  • Air conditioning for a comfortable environment
  • Water stations for hydration

These facilities enhance visitor experience and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

What to Expect: Coins, Notes & Medals

Nanyadarshini 2025 offers a diverse array of numismatic artifacts, which include:

At Nanyadarshini 2025, numismatic enthusiasts can look forward to a stunning collection of Indian and world heritage showcased across three days. Drawing from previous editions and expert commentary, here’s a deeper dive into what awaits you:

Ancient & Early Medieval Indian Coins

• Gandhara Janapada issues (600–300 BCE): These bent-bar punch-marked silver coins, often with incuse symbols, exemplify India’s earliest metallic currency—some of the first ever produced .
• Gupta-era gold dinaras, including the legendary Samudragupta gold dinara, which may depict his wife Dattadevi standing on a lotus—an exceptionally rare sight at Nanyadarshini 2024.

South Indian Dynastic Rarities

• Chola-era fanams (e.g., gold pagodas of Raja Raja Chola I): These coins, struck in the eastern Chalukya style, are prized for their iconography (e.g., leopard motifs) and fetch prices in the lakhs .
• Vijayanagar Empire gold coins (tiny fanams or pagodas): Gems of medieval South India, they remain a centerpiece in many collections .

Sultanate & Mughal Silver Coins

• Showcases typically feature Bijapur Sultanate larins, Mysore Wodeyar silver issues, and distinctive Mughal rupees and paisa pieces. The 2017 edition included rare Sultanate pieces and Mysore coins .

Colonial & Princely State Coinage

• A rich assortment of British India coins, including pre- and post-1835 silver rupiya and copper annas.
• Princely state variants (e.g., Travancore, Hyderabad, Jaipur) often feature intricate legends and iconography.
• Antique tokens, badges, seals, and medals from regional rulers, such as coronation medals or membership medals—the Karnataka Numismatic Society itself issued a silver Golden Jubilee medal in 2024 .

Historic Banknotes & Notes with Unique Finishes

• Expect rarities like British-era Indian notes (Rs 1, Rs 10, Rs 100) including those overprinted during partition, and early Republic-era notes (Rs 2,000, Rs 100) .
• Infinities such as the “world’s only seven-digit note” from 1917 also made previous appearances .

Medals, Tokens & Commemorative Items

• A wide array of membership tokens, coronation medals (British and princely), civic awards, and commemorative issues (e.g., centenary medals).
• Notably, the KNS Golden Jubilee medal (2024) is a 35 g, 44 mm .999 silver issue with engravings of dynastic coinage and Hampi’s Stone Chariot .

Novelty & Thematic Coins

• Many stallholders bring modern themed coins—those celebrating sports teams, Panchatantra tales, movies, and pop culture icons—often including rotating or colorized editions .

Educational & Interactive Displays

• Live UV-lamp authenticity checks, magnifier workstations, and demonstrations highlight how to spot fakes—a growing concern .
• Galleries for children and students feature guided displays and interactive sessions on coin history, inspired by strong youth attendance in 2024 .

Live Auctions

• Expect dynamic auctions with hundreds of lots: gold coins from Chandragupta Maurya, colonial rarities, Mughal rupees, medals, and tokens.
• Previous editions saw auctions by Todywalla, Oswal, and Imperial Auctions—featuring over 400 lots and attracting strong bidding interest .

🌟 Why It’s Special

Window to World and Indian History

Nanyadarshini presents extraordinary artifacts that connect directly with historical narratives. For instance, the Samudragupta gold dinara—featuring Queen Dattadevi on a lotus pedestal—is displayed for possibly the first time, offering tangible evidence of the Gupta era’s grandeur and rituals like the Ashwamedha sacrifice .

Another highlight: the Gandhara bent-bar punch-marked silver coin, dating back to 600–300 BCE, considered among India’s first coins . These coins enable a tangible link to ancient societies and cultural practices.

Rare Discoveries & First-Time Displays

Nanyadarshini isn’t just another exhibition—it’s often the debut platform for previously unseen numismatic treasures. The 2024 edition marked the first display of some seminal Gupta and Gandhara pieces, drawing scholars and collectors alike . Collectors can expect to encounter museum-worthy rarities and possibly new items unveiled at the event.

Educational Value & Youth Engagement

Aimed at preserving expertise and educating younger generations, the Society integrates live demonstrations—like UV-lamp authenticity checks and magnifier workstations—to combat counterfeit proliferation .

In 2023, around 5,000 coins and stamps were distributed to children, capturing school participation through special packs for over 100 schools and 2,000 students . This ensures numismatics thrives beyond the older custodian communities.

Diverse Eras & Thematic Breadth

The exhibition spans an incredible chronological breadth:

• Ancient Beginnings: 600 BCE Gandhara pieces
• Classical Grandeur: Gupta gold and Mauryan coins
• South Indian Dynasties: Vijayanagara and Mysore issues
• Medieval Sultanates & Mughals: Bijapur larins and Mughal rupees
• Colonial and Princely States: British India coins, rare tokens, and state coins
• Modern Novelties: Thematic colorized coins celebrating cinema, sports, and literature

This comprehensive scope offers something for every collector and historian.

Live Auctions & Marketplace Buzz

Nanyadarshini is not just an exhibition—it’s also a dynamic marketplace. Major coin dealerships like Todywalla, Marudhar Arts, and Oswal Antiques hold real-time auctions during the event. Past editions included over 400 lots featuring prized items like Chandragupta-era gold coins and Jehangir zodiac pieces . These auctions blend scholarly appreciation with active collecting, offering both insight and opportunity.

Veteran Community & Strong Legacy

Organized since 1992 by the Karnataka Numismatic Society, Nanyadarshini builds on a legacy spanning three decades. The Society has grown from humble beginnings (meetings under a tree) to a prestigious body with nearly 1,400 members, monthly meets, national-level events, and educational outreach . The dedication and community ethos behind the event contribute to its authenticity and impact.

Interactive and Inclusive Atmosphere

The exhibition is a meeting point for seasoned collectors (70+ years old) to curious students (as young as 10), creating rich dialogues across generations . With a mix of serious scholarship, casual meetups, and live auctions, there’s an atmosphere of shared discovery—perfect for networking and learning.

Cultural Preservation in Action

Beyond coins, Nanyadarshini features stamps, antique watches, tokens, seals, and medals—like the Society’s Golden Jubilee medal. These collective displays serve to preserve regional and national heritage. As P.S. Vara Prasad from KNS states, such exhibitions are pivotal in educating the public about history through tangible artifacts

💡 In Summary

• Premier Rarity: First-time displays of historically significant coins (e.g., Gupta dinara, Gandhara punch-marked bar)
• Educational Depth: Counterfeit awareness demos and youth packs build knowledge
• Historical Span: Covers millennia—from ancient to modern, local to global
• Marketplace Energy: Real‑time auctions provide access to rare lots
• Community Backbone: Well-structured, long-standing Society with strong outreach
• Inclusive Vibe: Engages experts, dealers, students, and casual onlookers
• Cultural Conservation: Multifaceted artifact displays celebrating the past

By bringing history alive, offering rare and educational content, welcoming all ages, and operating as both fair and classroom, Nanyadarshini 2025 stands as a jewel in India’s numismatic culture. It’s more than just exhibits—it’s a nexus of heritage, learning, and commerce.

• Spectrum of History: From the 6th century BCE Gandhara pieces to contemporary thematic coins—all centuries and genres span this event.
• Rare Discoveries: Many coins are exhibited for the first time, including museum-grade Guptas and ancient bent-bar coins .
• Authenticity Emphasis: With so many counterfeits circulating, demonstrations on detection are both timely and valuable .

Final Takeaways

Whether you’re an avid collector, casual history buff, or curious learner, Nanyadarshini 2025 offers:

• A rich, curated spectrum of Indian numismatic history.
• A chance to learn, verify, and purchase/authenticate priceless items.
• A hub for networking with dealers, historians, and fellow enthusiasts.
• A learning environment for families and students, bridging generational gaps

Highlights of Indian Coins on Display

Expect to see outstanding examples such as:

• Vijayanagara Empire gold coins (tiny 0.25–0.75 g pieces)
• Silver Larins from the Bijapur Sultanate (mid‑17th century)
• Mysore Wodeyar issues (17th century)
• Rare Mughal and colonial coins, often valued in the lakhs and auctioned on-site
• Princely-state and independent‑kingdom rarities, tokens, badges, and more

Collector Engagement: Dealers, Experts & Auctions

The event brings together prominent dealers and experts. For instance:

• Oswal Antiques will host an auction on 13 July 2025, showcasing over 400 items across categories—ancient, medieval, Mughal, colonial, tokens, medals, and banknotes .
• Dealers like Rajendra Maro, P.K. Keshavamurthy, and auction houses including Todywalla & Imperial Auctions are expected to participate with high‑value lots

This offers opportunities for live bidding, valuation, and networking with fellow enthusiasts.

Visitor Experience: Accessibility & Amenities

• Entry Fee: Free for the public
• Parking: Limited paid parking; advised to arrive early
• Hall Facilities: Toilets, air‑conditioning, power, food, tea/coffee, water—ensuring comfort during long visits
• Accessibility: The venue is centrally located and easy to reach via public transit or private vehicles.

Significance for the Numismatic Community

Preserving Heritage:

• It offers a platform to showcase India’s monetary history across eras.Nanyadarshini 2025 goes beyond showcasing rare coins—it is about protecting India’s rich numismatic legacy and passing it on to future generations.By displaying ancient coins, historical banknotes, and medals, the event helps people connect with the past in a tangible way.
• Organized by the Karnataka Numismatic Society, the exhibition promotes awareness, education, and authenticity in numismatics. With live demonstrations, expert talks, and student engagement, Nanyadarshini plays a vital role in safeguarding cultural history and fostering a deeper appreciation for India’s monetary and artistic heritage.

Education & Research:

• Scholars and educators can present insights and lead discussions.key pillars of Nanyadarshini 2025, making it more than just a display of coins. The exhibition offers a platform for scholars, students, and collectors to explore the historical, economic, and cultural significance of Indian and world coinage.
• With expert-led sessions, live demonstrations on coin authentication, and access to rare numismatic materials, it encourages deep learning and academic inquiry. The Karnataka Numismatic Society also supports young learners by distributing educational kits and promoting research, ensuring that the knowledge of numismatics continues to grow and evolve.

Market & Networking:

• Facilitates connections between collectors and dealers, aiding acquisitions and valuation.Nanyadarshini 2025 create vibrant opportunities for collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts to connect, trade, and collaborate. With 92 stalls featuring rare coins, notes, and medals, the exhibition serves as a dynamic marketplace where buyers can discover unique pieces and sellers can showcase their collections.
• Live auctions, expert valuations, and informal interactions help build lasting relationships within the numismatic community. It’s a hub where passion meets commerce, enabling both new and seasoned participants to grow their networks and enhance their collections.

Community Building:

• Inspires new collectors and fosters camaraderie among hobbyists.At Nanyadarshini 2025 is at the heart of the event, bringing together people of all ages who share a passion for coins and history. Organized by the Karnataka Numismatic Society, the exhibition fosters connections between collectors, scholars, students, and dealers.
• Through shared experiences like exhibitions, discussions, and auctions, it creates a welcoming space where knowledge is exchanged and friendships are formed. By involving schools and families, the event nurtures a new generation of numismatists, strengthening the bonds of India’s vibrant numismatic community.

Tips for Attendees

• Plan Ahead: Review the stall layout (available online or at the venue).
• Budget Wisely: Set limits—rare coins can run into lakhs, while common pieces are affordable.
• Ask Questions: Dealers often share provenance, minting details, and historical context.
• Inspect Thoroughly: Wear gloves, inspect condition, verify authenticity with UV lamps or magnifiers.
• Attend Auction Preview: Visit on 11–12 July to preview auction items before bidding.
• Carry Essentials: Bring water bottle, note pad, business cards for interaction and note-taking.

Future Prospects & the Society’s Role

The Karnataka Numismatic Society, with its monthly meets and annual exhibitions like Nanyadarshini and the National Numismatic Exhibition, plays a vital role in promoting numismatics in Southern India . Nanyadarshini 2025 continues this legacy, inspiring future collectors and furthering numismatic scholarship.

Conclusion

Nanyadarshini 2025 is more than just a fair—it’s a numismatic journey blending history, retail, education, and community. With 92 stalls, rare coins, expert-led sessions, and top-notch facilities, it’s a must‑attend for anyone passionate about India’s monetary heritage. Mark your calendar for July 11–13, 2025, at Shikshak Sadan, Bengaluru, and be part of this premier coin‑collecting event.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No, admission is free for all attendees .

Q: Can I bid on coins at an auction?
A: Yes—Oswal Antiques will hold an auction on July 13, 2025 at the venue. Public preview will be on-site on July 12 and 13 .

Q: What time does the exhibition open each day?
A: It opens daily at 09:00 AM and closes at 07:00 PM from July 11–13 .

Q: Are facilities like parking and refreshments available?
A: Yes, there are toilets, power, parking (limited paid), food stalls, tea/coffee, air conditioning, and water .

Q: Can I bring my own coins for identification or valuation?
A: Most dealers and experts are open to offering free or nominal fee-based guidance. It’s advised to bring clean, well-handled items.

Q: How can one participate as a dealer or exhibitor?
A: Stall bookings are organized via Marudhar Arts and/or the Society. Contact them early – there are 92 stalls in total. Bookings may be through event portals like BookMyStall .