Coin Museum (IIRNS)
Nashik, Maharashtra · museum
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Tucked into the quiet countryside below the Anjaneri hills, roughly twenty kilometres west of Nashik on the road to Trimbakeshwar, the Coin Museum is one of India's most unusual and rewarding small institutions. Run by the Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies (IIRNS), a scholarly body established in 1980 to study the coinage and monetary history of the subcontinent, it is widely described as the only museum in Asia dedicated exclusively to coins and the story of money. Where most museums treat coins as a footnote in a larger gallery, here they are the entire subject, traced from the earliest exchange of goods to the minted currencies of empires.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Pure-vegetarian thali and poha eateries in Trimbakeshwar temple town (ask for the pure-veg option)
- ✦Pure-veg misal and snack houses along College Road and Panchavati in Nashik
- ✦Simple pure-vegetarian dhabas on the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar road (confirm pure-veg before ordering)
About
Tucked into the quiet countryside below the Anjaneri hills, roughly twenty kilometres west of Nashik on the road to Trimbakeshwar, the Coin Museum is one of India's most unusual and rewarding small institutions.
- Run by the Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies (IIRNS), a scholarly body established in 1980 to study the coinage and monetary history of the subcontinent, it is widely described as the only museum in Asia dedicated exclusively to coins and the story of money.
- Where most museums treat coins as a footnote in a larger gallery, here they are the entire subject, traced from the earliest exchange of goods to the minted currencies of empires.
- The displays are built to teach rather than merely to dazzle.
- Instead of overwhelming visitors with thousands of loose specimens, the museum uses replicas, enlarged models, dioramas, maps and clear panels to walk you through big ideas: how barter gave way to money, how the punch-marked silver coins of ancient India were made, how Greek, Kushan, Satavahana, Gupta, Sultanate, Mughal, Maratha and colonial mints each left their mark, and how minting technology evolved over centuries.
- Well-lit cases, oversized coin models and step-by-step explanations make the subject approachable for schoolchildren, families and casual travellers alike, while the attached research centre and library serve serious students of numismatics.
- A visit typically takes about an hour and pairs naturally with the Anjaneri hills, by tradition linked to the birth of Hanuman, and with onward travel to the Trimbakeshwar temple town.
- The setting is rural and calm, so plan your meal around the route rather than the museum gate.
- Trimbakeshwar, a short drive further west, is a pilgrimage town lined with simple pure-vegetarian eateries serving thalis, poha, sabudana khichdi, misal and sweets; ask for the pure-veg or Jain option, as many are entirely vegetarian by temple custom.
- Back toward Nashik, the Panchavati and College Road areas offer numerous pure-vegetarian restaurants and misal houses — confirm a place is pure-veg before ordering.
- Carry water for the drive, as roadside options near Anjaneri are limited.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Anjaneri, Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Road, Tal. Trimbakeshwar, Nashik, Maharashtra, 422213
How to Reach: The museum sits at Anjaneri, about 20 km west of Nashik on the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar road (roughly 30–40 minutes by car). Trimbakeshwar-bound state buses and shared jeeps from Nashik's Old CBS/Mela bus stand pass Anjaneri; ask to be dropped near the Anjaneri stop and walk in. Taxis and autos are easiest, and the museum pairs well as a stop en route to Trimbakeshwar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Coin Museum at Anjaneri known for?
It is run by the Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies (IIRNS) and is widely described as Asia's only museum devoted entirely to coins and the history of money, tracing currency from barter to modern minting through models, replicas and clear displays.
How far is the Coin Museum from Nashik and Trimbakeshwar?
It is at Anjaneri, about 20 km west of Nashik and roughly 8 km short of Trimbakeshwar, directly on the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar road, making it an easy stop on a Trimbakeshwar day-trip.
Is the museum suitable for children and families?
Yes. The exhibits use enlarged models, dioramas and simple panels to explain how money evolved, which makes it engaging and educational for schoolchildren and families. A visit usually takes about an hour.
What are the opening days and timings?
It is generally open Tuesday to Sunday, roughly 10:30 to 17:00, and closed on Mondays and public holidays, with a nominal entry fee. Because timings can change, confirm before making the trip.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near the Coin Museum?
Roadside options at Anjaneri are limited, so plan meals in Trimbakeshwar, where the temple town has many simple pure-vegetarian eateries serving thalis, poha and misal, or back in Nashik's Panchavati and College Road areas. Ask for the pure-veg or Jain option before ordering.
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