Object identification

Staff are available to assist you with the identification of objects relating to the department's collections. For more information about object identification, please contact the department.

Objects can be handed in to the department for identification during normal opening hours: weekdays 10.00-13.00 (except Wednesdays), and 14.15-16.00 (closed on bank holidays). If an object is handed in to the department, a receipt will be given and, whenever possible, dealt with on the same day. If this is not feasible then objects can be collected later, or returned by post.

You can post objects to the department for identification, marked for the attention of the duty curator. Please include the cost of return registered postage. You may not submit more than ten objects for identification at any one time. Although there is no charge for object identification by departmental  staff, donations are always welcome.

Neither the Trustees of the British Museum nor members of staff can accept liability for opinions given on objects submitted for examinations, or for information provided. We cannot give valuations and do not provide certificates of authenticity.

Anyone seeking advice on valuations, or on buying and selling coins, medals or bank notes, should consult a dealer or auctioneer. Details of dealers and auctioneers can be obtained from the following organisations:

British Numismatic Trade Association
PO Box 2
Rye
East Sussex
TN31 7SB
bnta@lineone.net

International Association of Professional Numismatists
c/o Löwenstrasse 65
CH 8001
Zurich
Switzerland

Temporary closure

Please note that the department will be closed to public enquiries between 31 August and 4 September 2009.

The Study Room will be closed between these dates, and we will not be offering an identification service in this week.