Money
The Citi Money
Gallery
Room 68

From prehistory
to the present day

The history of money can be traced back over 4,000 years. During this time, currency has taken many different forms, from coins to banknotes, shells to mobile phones.

This gallery displays the history of money around the world.

From the earliest evidence, to the latest developments in digital technology, money has been an important part of human societies. Looking at the history of money gives us a way to understand the history of the world.

Chinese Ming banknote

Chinese Ming banknote
China, AD 1375.

 

Visit gallery

Floorplan showing Room 68

Admission free, open late Fridays

Stories of Money

Stories of money

Discover the ideas and objects explored in this gallery 

From the earliest objects used for exchange, to the technology changing the way we spend

Temporary display

The Beau Street Hoard before excavation

The Beau Street Hoard

In November 2007 archaeologists found a huge hoard of Roman coins dating to about AD 270 in  Beau Street, Bath. This new display focuses on the excavation and cleaning of the coins by British Museum conservator Julia Tubman. Some of the tools Julia used are on display alongside three piles of coins which represent the three types found in the hoard.

Blog: read more about the Beau Street Hoard and its excavation 
Timelapse: excavation of the Beau Street Hoard - about 15,000 coins in seven weeks 

Blog