2 days ago
Indian expat in Doha builds rare coin collection from 140 countries
Tribune News Network
Doha
Mukthar Mohammed, an Indian expatriate from Kerala living in Qatar for the past 28 years, has created an extraordinary collection of 1,341 coins from 140 countries, earning him admiration among global numismatic enthusiasts.
A resident of Doha and an official at Qatar Airways, Mukthar's passion for coin collecting dates back to his childhood in Venkidengu, Thrissur District, where his father ran a small grocery shop. 'I used to sort coins into different bowls on a table—it was a simple hobby that became my passion,' he recalls. Though his early collection was lost during the renovation of his ancestral home, Mukthar resumed his coin-collecting journey a decade ago with renewed dedication. Since then, he has meticulously built and preserved a vast and diverse assortment of coins that vary in shape, size, color, and metal composition—from copper and bronze to silver, aluminum, and steel.
His collection is not just a visual delight but also a historical archive, with several coins commemorating political transitions, royal dynasties, and momentous global events. The oldest coin in his possession dates back 224 years, corresponding to Hijri year 1223, from the Ottoman Empire period—an artifact that stands testament to the passage of time and empires.
'Coins are more than currency—they are silent storytellers of a nation's history and culture,' says Mukthar. He dreams of organizing his collection scientifically, with labels denoting historical eras and geographical origins. However, some coins remain unidentified, prompting him to turn to AI tools for classification and tracing.
Among the notable pieces in his collection are limited-edition coins and historic Qatari 5 and 10 dirham coins, which he treasures as part of his local heritage.
The entire collection weighs over 10.5 kilograms, and Mukthar aspires to eventually gather coins from every country in the world. 'It's a personal journey that connects me to the history and people of different nations,' he says.
Mukthar's home reflects the couple's artistic and cultural sensibilities. His wife, Shiny Mukthar, an employee at Qatar Energy, is a talented acrylic painter known for her stunning canvas artworks and Islamic calligraphy. Their living room displays her vibrant creations, making the home a unique blend of history and art.
The couple is proud of their three children—Fawaz, Fidha, and Fayiza—and hopes to pass on their shared love for culture and creativity to the next generation.
