Officers of the Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone–III, have unearthed a unique modus operandi involving the antique coin smuggling from London into India. The seizure was made during duty on February 10, 2026, following the arrival of a passenger from London.
According to officials, the passenger had arrived at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, by Virgin Atlantic Airlines Flight No. VS-354 dated February 9, 2026. Upon examination, Customs officers recovered three rare antique coins—two gold coins and one silver coin—suspected to be of significant historical and numismatic value.
Details of the Seized Coins
The seized coins include:
- Gold Mohur (12.37 grams)
Issued by the East India Company, Bengal Presidency, minted at Murshidabad, in the name of Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, dated AH 1202/RY 19. - Gold Dinar (8.00 grams)
Belonging to the Ancient Kushan Empire, attributed to King Huvishka, a prominent ruler known for expansive trade and cultural integration during the early centuries CE. - Silver Rupee (11.44 grams)
A rare Mughal-era coin of Emperor Jahangir, featuring the distinctive Zodiac Sign Cancer, minted at Ahmadabad. Jahangir’s zodiac coins are considered rare and highly collectible due to their artistic and historical uniqueness.
Unique Modus Operandi
Officials indicated that the concealment method suggested a deliberate attempt to evade detection. While details of the concealment have not been disclosed pending investigation, preliminary findings suggest that the coins were carried without proper declaration and in contravention of customs and heritage laws.
Authorities are probing whether the coins fall under the definition of “antiquities” under the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972 (now governed by the Antiquities and Art Treasures (Amendment) framework), and whether their import required mandatory declaration and clearance from the competent authority.
