Archive · 3 Sep 2025
Hyderabad Currency: A Numismatic Journey Through History
This is the story of the money used in Hyderabad, a part of India long ago.
A man named Rezwan Razack collected these old notes, which are like pieces of history.
The notes were printed in London and tell us about Hyderabad's past.
Razack's museum in Bengaluru shows off this collection, teaching people about the old money.
He found interesting stories, like notes that sank in a shipwreck!
He's written books and opened a research lab to share his knowledge.
Razack helps us see that old money is important because it shows us how our country has changed over time.
Hyderabad's currency, 'Rupya Sicca Osmania,' was issued from 1917.
Notes were printed in London until 1936, then in India.
A museum in Bengaluru houses the collection and research lab.
A new book by Razack explores the details of Hyderabad's currency.
Razack was inducted into the International Bank Note Society Hall of Fame.
- Who
- Rezwan Razack, a numismatist and author
- What
- The history of the Hyderabad currency, the Rupya Sicca Osmania, and its related artifacts.
- When
- From 1917 to 1955, with Razack's research spanning the 1800s to 2025
- Where
- Hyderabad, India; also London, France, and other locations related to currency printing and recovery.
- Why
- To preserve and share the history of Indian paper money, particularly the currency of the princely state of Hyderabad.
- Currency Name
- Rupya Sicca Osmania
- Denominations
- ₹1 to 1000
- Printing Location
- Waterlow & Sons Ltd, London (until 1936); Government of India Security Press, Nashik (from 1938)
- Currency Ceased
- April 1, 1955
- Museum Location
- Brunton Road, Bengaluru
- Hall of Fame Inductee
- Rezwan Razack