Coin Travel Guide

In the heart of Athens' historic center, close to the National Gardens, the Parliament building, and shopping, this museum houses over 500,000 coins from ancient Greece, Rome, and Byzantium. The building, built by archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, showcases a blend of neoclassicism and Italian Renaissance architecture.

The museum is a destination for anyone interested in the history of coins, including their production, symbolism, and societal impact. Visitors can explore the evolution of coin artistry, from the simplicity of the Archaic period to the grandeur of the Hellenistic era.

In the Esquilino neighborhood, one of Rome’s oldest areas, you will find the Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, commonly known as Palazzo Massimo. This neoclassical palace was constructed between 1883 and 1887 and is part of the National Roman Museum. The numismatic collection housed in Palazzo Massimo is regarded as one of the most significant in the world.

The basement of the museum is dedicated to coins and jewelry. It showcases the evolution of Roman currency from the Republic to the late Empire. The collection includes coin hoards found in the region. These hoards offer insights into the economic, social, and historical contexts of the Roman Empire.

More than half of the 9,000 coins showcased at the British Museum are located in the Citi Money Gallery (Gallery 68), which provides an overview of the history of money. Additional coins can be found throughout other permanent galleries, giving you insights into various periods and cultures represented in the museum.

The collection includes coins discovered in archaeological hoards and burial sites, showcasing the evolution and usage of currency in ancient times. The Corbridge and Hoxne hoards have offered valuable insights into Roman Britain.

The Department of Coins, Medals, and Antiques, located within the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) at the Richelieu site, houses a significant collection of ancient coins. This collection originated from the royal treasuries of the French kings during the Middle Ages.

The museum's first wing features a permanent display of antiquities, including these ancient coins. Plan to spend at least two hours on a visit to the permanent collection. Additionally, you can engage in a touch-screen activity where you can create virtual coins.

On Berlin’s Museum Island, the Bode’s numismatic collection has over half a million objects. A fantastic place to see the breadth of Greek city-states and the transition into Roman Imperial coinage. This collection traces the history of coinage from the 7th century BC to the present day, including examples of ancient coin minting.

Istanbul's Sultanahmet district is a vibrant cultural and artistic hub that showcases Turkey's history, offering a rich collection of historical sites, museums, and traditional Turkish arts.

The main Archaeology museum’s collection features coins minted in Anatolia as well as in areas that were part of the Byzantine Empire, which today includes Turkey and its neighboring regions. Be sure to look for coins from ancient Troy (Troas) and Ephesus. These coins showcase the trade routes that connected the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea.