Out-of-circulation 50 paisa coin fetches Rs 17,000 in Kashmir relief drive for Iran

A 50 paisa coin long out of circulation fetched Rs 17,000 in an auction in Srinagar as Kashmiris continued a donation drive for war-hit Iran , reflecting the emotional response and expanding participation across the Valley.

The coin was found in a piggy bank donated by a young boy during a relief collection at Lati Mohalla in the Mir Behri area near Dal Lake . Although the coin is no longer accepted in the market, organisers decided to auction it, sparking enthusiastic bidding among residents gathered for the campaign.

After several rounds of bidding, the coin was bought for Rs 17,000 by local resident Javaid Ahmad Sufi , who described the moment as deeply emotional and symbolic of the solidarity shown by Kashmiris. He said the child’s gesture represented the spirit behind the relief campaign.

The auction took place as part of a grassroots drive launched in parts of Kashmir following the escalation of the conflict in Iran. In several neighbourhoods, particularly those with large Shia populations, residents have been collecting donations through mosques, roadside stalls and local committees to support people affected by the war.

Organisers said the auction and donations from the Mir Behri locality alone have raised over Rs 3 lakh so far , despite the neighbourhood’s modest economic conditions.

Across the Valley, families have contributed cash, gold jewellery, silverware, copper utensils and other household valuables , while some have also offered livestock and even vehicles to support the humanitarian effort.

Women and children have played a major role in the campaign. Children have donated pocket money and savings, while women have offered jewellery and personal valuables. In one instance, a woman donated the gold preserved as a memento of her husband who died 28 years ago , a gesture that moved many residents.

The donation drive has expanded beyond the locality, with collections reported in several districts through neighbourhood committees and imambaras. Religious leaders have appealed for wider participation as the campaign gathers momentum.

Responding to the gestures, the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi thanked the people of Kashmir, saying their compassion and emotions were a great source of comfort for Iranians during a difficult time.