Hakkeem Maliekkal has stashed away bundles of currency notes and coins yet he enjoys a good night's sleep. His treasure chest is an investment in historical research.

The retired teacher at Kayamkulam has enviable collection of currency notes from around the world. Among them are rare items such as a German silk currency, a mammoth Russian ruble and currenciesprinted on materials as varied as bark and golf foil.

Hakkim lives in nostalgia. Even house bears the stamp of a bygone era. He has turned his house into a museum for the benefit of history buffs. On display are currency notes from more than 380countries and coins that have survived millennia. Entry to the private collection is free.

Hakkim's collection includes currencies from 191 existing countries and 165 defunct countries apart from 25 islands. The collection earned him a place in the Limca Book of Records in 2017.

Old habits

Hakkim started collecting stamps and postcards as a boy. When he went to Saudi Arabia as a teacher, he hunted for collectibles. He would collect different currency notes from the money exchangecenters. He widened his collection of coins by exchanging with other enthusiasts in numismatic societies.

He eventually obtained memberships in international societies. His association with the International Bank Note Society has helped him increase his collection manifold, he said. The society hasmembers from about 100 countries exchanging the valuable items in their possession.

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A bank note in silk? This former teacher can show you history in currency...(http://english.manoramaonline.com/districts/alappuzha/2018/02/27/teacher-history-currency-alappuzha.html)