Department of Coins and Medals
The Department of Coins and
Medals is home to one of the world's finest numismatic collections,
comprising about one million objects. The collection spans the
history of coinage from its origins in the seventh century BC to
the present day, and related material such as coin weights, tokens
and money boxes.
The department also holds the national collection of paper
money, ranging from one of the earliest fourteenth century Chinese
banknotes to the euro, as well as a mag
nificent selection
of commemorative and art medals from the Italian Renaissance to the
present.
The most extensive numismatic library in the country is also
housed within the department and, like the collection itself,
exists for the benefit of the scholar and general public alike.
This material is brought to a wide audience through exhibitions,
publications, a broad programme of educational events and through
our study room facilities.
The HSBC Money Gallery chronicles the development and use of money
throughout the world, while special temporary exhibitions are
mounted on a great variety of exciting and innovative themes.