Money makes the world go round. And an exhibition-cum-sale that's scheduled to be held today, shows you how. Sunderbai Hall is the venue for the Todywalla Auction, an event where 485 ancient coins of mint, gold and silver, sundry bank notes and medals will go under the hammer. All you have to do is head there and register yourself. And those with no money to spare, can drop by to pick up myriad stories that revolve around most currency on display.

When the Rs 1,000 note issued by the RBI in 1954, was demonetised in 1978, black marketers who couldn't approach banks to take it back, rolled tobacco in it, and smoked up, says Malcolm Todywalla, taking us through his collection housed in Todywalla House, a four-storeyed 103-year old building in the busy lanes of Khetwadi. Giant movie posters hang on the walls that guard ancient artefacts scattered across several rooms accessed through a winding wooden staircase.

A passion an entire family shares Member of the Todywalla family, one that can be considered the first family of numismatics in the city, are organising the auction in association with the Bombay Coin Society. They've been dealing in ancient coins, notes and antique collectibles for more than 40 years.

The journey has its roots in Malcolm's grandfather's trip to Europe, one that introduced his son Farokh to the allure of old currency. In 1974, Farokh quit his job at Central Bank to pursue his hobby full-time. He managed to draw his wife Yasmin, sister Jeroo and sons Malcolm and Kaizad, into his passion. They've been organising auctions since 2003, after they were issued an auctioning licence by the Archeological Society of India (ASI).

When kings hunted lions and played veena will equal ease

The entire family chips in when an auction is on the cards, right from cataloguing rare finds to sorting and sealing them in plastic pouches. Each coin captures a snapshot of life from the time it was struck in. The earliest coins from 1st century BC were cut out of metal sheets and hand-stamped with a punch. They used symbols of plants and elephants.

The Kushanas were the first to strike gold coins, one side depicting the ruler and the other, a deity. The Gupta era, a golden age, saw technological advancements and unparalleled prosperity. Rulers were depicted larger-than-life, hunting lions at close range and pursuing the arts (Samudragupta plays the veena).

With a deterioration in the standard of living, the reign of the Sultans saw crude coins. But when Emperor Akbar came to power, he issued coins based on the Din-i-Ilahi calendar, while Aurangzeb used religious motifs. A gradual decline in the Mughal dynasty led to no significant progress, until the British came to power.

Is investing in antique currency a good idea? [hear it from the experts]

It will yield returns in 5 years

SP Jain, Investment Expert

It makes sense to invest in antique coins and notes. Gradually, as the stock market improves, the market for antiques will also start looking up. Anything rare, whether coins or art, carries value that's bound to appreciate over time. The only downside is that it's an investment that cannot be instantly encashed. Look at it as a long-term investment, one that will yield  returns in 5 years.

Numismatic market unaffected by recession

Malcolm Todywalla Old currency fetches good returns, and the numismatic market hasn't been affected by the recession. It is a safe investment, although it may not fetch returns immediately.

It's an investment for your children

Ashish Balram Nagpal, art gallery owner Art and antiques are heirlooms, and cannot be re-sold like stocks. It is a sound investment for your kids. The mindset of investors has broadened thanks to better exposure in the media.

At: Sunderbai Hall, Nathibai Thakersay Road, off Maharshi Karve Road, behind Income Tax Office, Churchgate.

On: Saturday, 1 pm onwards

Call: 23854733

Price range: Rs 1,500 to Rs 6 lakh

Source: Mid-day