Vijay Sharma’s Journey of Passion and Responsibility
Vijay Sharma, a resident of Dharamshala, hails from Chintpurni in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. As a child, he often skipped school with his friends to visit the Kunal Pathri Mata Temple where tourists around the world come to see the place. His curiosity led him to ask these visitors for coins from their respective countries, sparking a lifelong passion for collecting currency.
Sharma was only 13 years old when he received his first Canadian coin marking the beginning of a collection that now includes currency and notes from 172 countries. His archive spans from the 12th century to the 21st century with coins made from leather, silver, copper, brass and steel. The inspiration for his collection came from the foreign visitors to Dharamshala who stayed for extended periods, allowing Sharma to glimpse their cultures through the lens of currency.
Sharma’s dreams of world travel remained unfulfilled due to family responsibilities. His parents tasked him with providing for the household which kept him rooted in India. Despite this, his currency collection became a way to explore different cultures and learn about distant lands. To keep track of his collection, Sharma maintains a detailed notebook listing coins and notes from various countries, complete with characteristics and historical context. This meticulous record-keeping allows him to study the subtle nuances of different currencies.
He sheds light on the history of the ‘Ek Paisa’ currency. In the 1940s, the British used copper plates to cap the cartridges of firearms, leaving the brass portion as waste. Someone suggested using the leftover brass to mint coins, leading to the official introduction of ‘1 Paisa.’ After India’s independence, a shortage of copper and brass prompted the government to introduce 1 Naya Paisa made from aluminum.
In ancient India, the monetary system was quite different. For example, three phooti cowries (broken seashells) equaled one cowrie; ten cowries made a damri; two damris made a dhela; one dhela was equivalent to 1.5 pies; three pies made a paisa; four paise made an anna; and sixteen annas made a rupee.
Beyond collecting, Sharma believes in the importance of passion. He feels that having a driving force helps people excel in their chosen fields. His collection isn’t just for himself; it’s also for his grandchildren, who currently show little interest in carrying his legacy forward. He hopes that his legacy of coins and notes will someday inspire them to appreciate the world beyond their immediate surroundings.
Vijay Sharma’s passion for collecting currency is more than just a hobby; it’s a journey that bridges responsibility and aspiration. Even though he couldn’t travel the world, his collection gives him a sense of connection to places he dreams of visiting. As he continues to add to his archive, Sharma hopes that his dedication will spark curiosity in others and inspire them to pursue their passions with equal fervor.
