The Founder

Dr. Dilip Rajgor is the first Ph. D. in Numismatics from the University of Bombay (1995), who earned his Doctorate directly from B. Com., without the mandatory degree of Masters in Arts. Later he earned his Master’s Degree in Archaeology & Ancient Indian History from the M.S. University of Baroda, topping it First Class First with Distinction (1997); and simultaneously he also topped the Post Graduate Diploma in Linguistics from the M.S. University (1997). Dilip also cleared the much-coveted NET – National Eligibility Test, of the University Grants Commission in the first attempt (2000).

A trained Indologist, Dilip has been serving Indology since 1987 in various capacities like a Research Scholar, Professor, Director, Consultant, Publisher, Portfolio Manager, and an Auctioneer. He has the credit of having written 24 books and 75+ research articles on coins, history, linguistics, and allied subjects. He is also the only person who has the distinction of being Founder Cataloguer of as many as 4 numismatic auction houses in India, as well as editing of 150+ auction catalogues since 1989 comprising of numismatics, arts, jewellery and collectibles. He has also edited 41 issues of ICS Newsletter (1990-2008). Since 2009, he has also edited 100+ Issues of Gullak (a Monthly Newspaper for Coins, Medals, Paper Money, Collectibles, Antiquities, Decorative Arts and Hobby). He has also been a Principal Researcher for a documentary film (2004).

Among a number of honors and awards, Dr. Rajgor is the recipient of the prestigious Silver Medal of the Indian Coin Society, Nagpur (2017); Prof. A.S. Altekar Bronze Medal of the Numismatic Society of India, Varanasi (2009); Prof. H.D. Sankalia Young Archaeologist Award, of the Indian Society for Prehistoric and Quaternary Studies, Deccan College, Pune (1997); Lakshman Singh Gaud Mudra Award of the Indore Coin Society (2016); Hon. Life Member, the Mumbai Coin Society (2010); Lifetime Achievement Awards of Ujjain Coin Society (2016); Kota Philately & Numismatic Society (2016), Delhi Coin Society (2013); and Outstanding Achievement Award, of the Numismatic Society of Calcutta (2007).

Among the important Positions held, Dr. Rajgor is the Founder Director of University of Mumbai Dinesh Mody Numismatic Museum (2005-15) and Dinesh Mody Institute for Numismatics and Archaeology (2006-15), and was instrumental in launching India's first Master's degree in Numismatics (2007). He was Regional Secretary for South Asia, the Oriental Numismatic Society, United Kingdom (2006-14).