Kathmandu, March 28. The Nepal Numismatic Society, in collaboration with the Numismatic Society of Calcutta, is organizing Nepal’s first International Coin and Banknotes Exhibition at the Nepal Arts Council in Kathmandu. The three-day exhibition commenced on Monday, March 27, and will run until Wednesday, March 29.

The event offers a rare opportunity for visitors to view a diverse collection of coins, money notes, bank receipts, and stamps that have been issued by governments around the world throughout history.

One of the most remarkable sections of the exhibition is the “Pashupati coins from Lichhavi Era” section, which has attracted considerable attention from visitors. These ancient coins were issued during the reign of Narendra Deva, which dates back to 641-80 CE. The coins feature symbols of Gupta script along with artistic imagery of animals and objects, including bull, crescent moon and glowing sun, were used as a form of currency during that period.

The collector and exhibitor of the Pashupati coins, Manoj Pradhan talked with DC Nepal, “There are still undiscovered coins waiting to be unearthed. These coins can reveal a wealth of information about the customs, beliefs, and economic status of the civilization they belonged to. With proper analysis, we can piece together the missing parts of history and enhance our understanding of the past.,” Pradhan opined.

The exhibition also showcases coins and notes from various other dynasties, such as Malla, and Shah Kings of Nepal, providing a glimpse into the evolution of the monetary systems.

Rejina Basnet, a visitor, shared her thoughts with DC Nepal, “We currently exist in the era of digital currency, where we carry imaginary money on our phones. It represents a marvel of modern convenience. However, there were times in the past when people would painstakingly carve their imagination onto metal coins, creating tangible representations of their rich culture, lifestyle, and creativity.”

“And, even after thousands of years, these coins still exist as testaments to the ingenuity of their creators.” Basnet added.

All Photos: Simon Paudel