The 119-year-old Nizam-era Royal Mint building at Saifabad has officially opened its doors as a coin museum, breathing new life into the historic lime and mortar structure. This initiative preserves Hyderabad’s rich numismatic legacy while offering visitors a rare glimpse into the machinery and craftsmanship of a bygone era.
Preserving a Heritage Landmark Through Adaptive Reuse
The transformation of the Saifabad Mint is a significant victory for heritage conservation in India. For decades, this iconic building tucked behind the Secretariat and near the Hussain Sagar lake stood silent. It was once the beating heart of the region’s economy, housing modern machinery that produced some of the finest coins in the country. However, the facility faced abandonment after the India Government Mint shifted its operations to a modern facility in Cherlapally in 1997.
Instead of letting the structure crumble, the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India (SPMCIL) decided to intervene. The decision to convert the space into a museum is a prime example of adaptive reuse. This approach saves the physical structure and also retains the soul of the building. The museum was inaugurated as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, marking 75 years of India’s independence.
Visitors walking through the halls are not just looking at exhibits. They are walking through a timeline of industrial history. The lime and mortar walls now house the very machines that once stamped currency for the Nizam and later for independent India.
“The coins of Hyderabad Royal Mint were inscribed with the only initial letter of Nizam.”
This preservation effort ensures that future generations can understand the technological evolution of coin making. It bridges the gap between the manual craftsmanship of the 19th century and the automated precision of the 20th century.
The Unique Privilege of Hyderabad State Coinage
To understand the importance of this museum, one must look at the unique political history of Hyderabad. During the British Raj, the State of Hyderabad held a distinct position. It was the only native state that enjoyed the full privilege of minting its own currency that circulated alongside British currency. This autonomy makes the artifacts housed here incredibly rare.
The history of minting in the region dates back further than the Saifabad building. The first mint was established in 1803 at Moghalpura by Sikander Jah, the third Nizam. At that time, although the Nizams were independent rulers of the Deccan, the coins were still produced in the name of the Mughal Emperor. This was a diplomatic gesture that continued for decades.
| Year | Milestone Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1803 | First Mint established by Sikander Jah | Moghalpura |
| 1858 | Private mints abolished (except Hyderabad) | Across India |
| 1895 | Introduction of machinery for coinage | Hyderabad |
| 1903 | Establishment of the Royal Mint | Saifabad |
| 1997 | Operations shifted to modern facility | Cherlapally |
The museum exhibits highlight how the quality of coins improved over time. The early coins from private mints were often crude. However, after the Sepoy Mutiny of 1858, the British Crown abolished most private mints. Hyderabad remained one of the few exceptions, along with the government mints in Bombay and Calcutta. This survival of the Hyderabad mint speaks volumes about the state’s power and influence during that era.
From Ancient Scripts to Modern Machinery
The exhibits inside the Royal Mint building are diverse. They cover a vast timeline that appeals to both casual tourists and serious numismatists. One of the key attractions is the collection of old machines. These are not mere scraps of metal but engineering marvels of their time that produced coins of calligraphic beauty.
In 1895, the mint introduced machinery that changed the production process forever. This led to the creation of new coins known as Charkhi, or “Wheel” coins. These machine-made coins were far superior to the hand-stamped varieties of the past. The museum displays these machines, allowing people to see the physical effort required to run an economy.
* Mechanical Presses: Early automated presses used for stamping designs.
* Weighing Scales: Precision instruments used to ensure gold and silver content.
* Die Casting Tools: The molds used to create the intricate faces of the coins.
* Sorting Machines: Equipment used to separate coins by denomination.
A numismatist present at the inauguration, Dr. Rehan Ahamad, curator of the Kolkata Mint Museum, shared fascinating insights with visitors. He explained how coins are essential tools for historians. For instance, Indologist James Prinsep, who worked at the Calcutta Mint, was able to decipher ancient Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts. He did this by studying the Greek inscriptions found on the reverse side of bilingual coins. This story highlights how the study of currency is deeply linked to understanding our written history.
Rare Treasures: The 12kg Gold Coin
While the machinery and history are educational, the true showstoppers for many visitors are the rare coins themselves. The museum houses collections from the Nizam era, British India, and the Republic of India. The Osmani Sickka, named after the seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, is a prominent feature. These coins remained in circulation even after Hyderabad joined the Indian Union, lasting until they were demonetized in the mid-1950s.
However, the most talked-about exhibit is a replica of a legendary artifact.
“Weighing 12kg it was minted in Agra and its denomination was 1000 mohurs.”
This massive gold coin was originally issued by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir. It was presented to the father of the first Nizam. The sheer size and value of such a coin capture the imagination of everyone who sees it. It represents the immense wealth and grandeur of the Mughal court and its connection to the Deccan rulers.
According to the official history of the India Government Mint, these historical connections are vital for preserving national heritage. The museum ensures that these stories are not lost in dusty archives but are presented visually to the public.
A New Cultural Hub for Hyderabad
The opening of this museum transforms the Saifabad area into a new cultural hub. It sits near other major landmarks, making it an easy addition to any tourist itinerary. The adaptive reuse of the building serves as a model for other heritage structures across India that are currently lying vacant.
The museum is expected to draw students, historians, and tourists. It serves as an educational center where young people can learn about the economic history of their country. The exhibits trace the journey from crude metal lumps to the sophisticated security features of modern coins.
Furthermore, the museum sheds light on the transition period after independence. It shows how the Saifabad Mint continued to serve the nation by producing coins for the entire country under the Government of India until 1997. This continuity from a princely state facility to a central government unit is a unique aspect of Hyderabad’s integration into the Indian Union.
For those interested in the broader context of Indian currency, the Reserve Bank of India Monetary Museum offers resources that complement what is found here. The Saifabad museum adds a specific regional flavor that is often missed in larger national museums.
This new attraction is a tribute to the skilled workers who once manned the noisy machines in these halls. It honors the engravers, the metal workers, and the administrators who managed the flow of money for millions of people. By preserving their workspace and their creations, the museum ensures their legacy endures.
The reopening of the Royal Mint as a museum is a heartwarming reminder that our history is valuable. It connects us to the past kings, the old economy, and the beautiful art of coin making. This museum is a must-visit for anyone who loves history and heritage.
Please share this news on social media to support heritage conservation! Use hashtags #HyderabadHeritage #CoinMuseum #NizamMint #HistoryAlive and let us know in the comments if you plan to visit this historic gem.
