In Pics: A Museum of Old Coins & Notes on a Footpath in Old Delhi

Durga Das is a unique numismatist, selling his prized possessions off on a footpath in Old Delhi.

Durga Das holds up an old one-rupee note from 1963. (Photo: Nasir Kachroo)

Delhi is a multi-faceted place with decorated markets in bustling areas which further have spectacular stalls and stories to narrate. One of the famous markets is Meena Bazar at Jamia Masjid in New Delhi that evokes a certain charm for the buyers, visitors and sellers owing to its long-established history in business.

An aerial view of the Jama Masjid area in Old Delhi. (Photo: Nasir Kachroo) 

The bustle at Meena Bazaar during peak hours. (Photo: Nasir Kachroo) 

Quint Lens introduces you to the unsung hero, Durga Das, who has collected antique rare coins as his bread and butter for decades now. Durga Das moved to Delhi from Guwahati in search of an occupation at the tender age of seven when most of us in our childhood were spending some quality time with toys.

“Initially, I drove a rickshaw for over three years after hiring it for Rs 5 for a day. And then I started to sell watches to customers before taking up the idea of collecting antique rare coins, which is my hobby now,” says Das to freelance photographer Nasir Kachroo.

Durga Das sits at his footpath shop of old coins and notes neatly displayed out by size, color, metal and date, along with other small knick-knacks like beads and rings. (Photo: Nasir Kachroo) 

While selling rare coins, Das feels his labour is worth it. His almond-shaped eyes light up when he glances through the collection of his own antiquities on a footpath in Meena Bazaar.

Das completes a transaction with a customer. (Photo: Nasir Kachroo) 

Durga Das’ collection of “silverware” on sale. (Photo: Nasir Kachroo)

The intrepid Das has sold old currencies from over ten countries so far. But his prized possessions, for sale, are the silver coins which date back to the Mughal and British period in India. 45-year-old Das is proud of his “silverware” which includes a coin from the time of Babur the Great, a coin from 1818 and a rare Sri Lankan cent.

An old coin with Indira Gandhi’s bust dating back to 1984 lies atop other old, colorful coins from across the world. (Photo: Nasir Kachroo) 

“I bought antique rare coins when it wasn’t easy to find such coins in the market. I’ve started the business from a single silver coin,” Durga says running his hands through a bowl of silver.

Das runs his hands through a bowl of old silver coins. (Photo: Nasir Kachroo) 

Das showing his customers interesting coins to add to their collection, sometimes personal favourites from his collection of over 20 years. (Photo: Nasir Kachroo) 

An old three paise coin from 1968 lies atop other silver coins. (Photo: Nasir Kachroo)

Along with collecting antique coins, Guwahati-born Das also collects currency notes from foreigners who stop by Old Delhi during their vacations in India.

Durga Das holds up an old one-rupee note from 1963. (Photo: Nasir Kachroo)

“My hut was in Vijay Ghat, which got damaged. Then I shifted to Ghaziabad. After my marriage, I settled in Ghaziabad since 2005. I have spent almost 20 years on this footpath, though. It was hard work and on some days, I did not earn even a single penny. But the dedication and passion for collecting coins kept me focused to work harder.”, Das says with a pensive smile.

An old five rupee note from Das’ collection in mint condition. (Photo: Nasir Kachroo)

An old ten rupee note from Das’ collection. (Photo: Nasir Kachroo) 

A 10,000 Yugoslav Dinar note in Das’ collection. (Photo: Nasir Kachroo)

Das hold up an old Indian coin from 1935 holding the value of one quarter of an anna. (Photo: Nasir Kachroo) 

An old Rs 100 note from Das’ collection. (Photo: Nasir Kachroo) 

Since 2002, Das has spent thousands of hours on that footpath, under the sweltering sun, to earn for his family of four.

“I have three children and a wife. I lost my eldest son to an illness. I want to spend all my money on my children to give them the best education available in the area,” Das reveals.

Customers browse through Das’ collection on the footpath, often taking suggestions and asking questions about the history of old coins and notes. (Photo: Nasir Kachroo)

From Guwahati to Delhi, Das’ story is one of a unique struggle to survive in the fast-paced 21st century while collecting and selling little pieces of history.

Quint Lens is a selection of the most vivid imagery created by our in-house pool of talent, and from across the web, created and curated with an eye on that Quintessential twist. In this section, you can find some of the most refreshing camera and mobile photography documenting current news events, the history and everyday culture of India and the world, heartbreaking stories that can only be conveyed through pictures, celebrations and revolutions; basically, anything that simply needs to be CliQed!