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Ingots of history

Now, you can own a slice of history cast in pure Swiss silver. Hallmark Group Limited, a U.K.-based art and heritage accessory group, has released limited edition collectors’ stamps — engraved ingots of pure silver, layered with 24-carat gold. Twenty-five postage stamps commemorating significant periods of the country’s history have been selected to be minted in gold-plated pure Swiss silver, as the ‘Pride of India’ collection.

The collection features the first postage stamp issued in 1947 — the Indian flag in the centre with the slogan Jai Hind printed on a sky-blue backdrop.

What was priced three-and-a-half annas now comes as part of a set of 25 stamps that costs Rs.1.5 lakh. The stamps are made of .999 Swiss silver and are priced at Rs.6,000 each. The collection also includes the famous Radha-Kishangarh stamp inspired by a miniature from an old fort in Kishangarh, the stamp of the beautiful actor Madhubala, etc.

The series reaches collectors and buyers by Indian Speed Post once every month. The silver stamps are accompanied by a fact sheet, a pair of silver gloves, (in the sixth month), a jewellers’ cloth, an elegant lacquered wood collector’s chest with spatula, 25 individual fact cards, collector’s album, velvet display case with keys and with the collector’s name engraved on it, as well as a book, “Enchanting India”.

“The Pride of India collection’s defining theme is to showcase the achievements of India and progress made in diverse fields to a fraternity comprising philatelists, discerning and tasteful art lovers and a host of individuals who perceive this collection as a great treasure to possess and a wonderful memento to gift to their near and dear ones,” said Ajay Sachdeva, MD, Hallmark Group, launching the edition. The stamp ingots can be ordered on the Internet or over telephone. Each image has been minted by Swiss craftsmen.

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