Coin Collecting Information

While coin collectors own some of the most sought after coins in their personal collections, many museums also hold well-known collections.

The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge (UK) touts one of the best examples of a coin from the Roman Republic. It is known for being mentioned by author Dio Cassius as well as being replicated a century after it was originally issued to celebrate the murder of Nero.

Their collection also includes a golden rupee from the 1600s, an unusual copper token distributed by a Cambridge chandler in 1668, and a mint condition Euro, the recently introduced standard monetary for the European Union.

The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia holds 63,360 Ancient Greek coins. In fact, by sheer number, the items in the numismatic collection make up nearly 35% of the museums pieces. Of specific interest are the first commemorative coins, the Syracusan Dekadrachms.

These coins were originally minted to celebrate the victory of the Syracusans over the Athenians in 413 B.C. The collection also contains some exquisite examples of medals and badges.

To the surprise of many numismatists, The British Museum has an impressive collection of United States coins. Some of these coins were donated very soon after being issued and are thus in pristine condition. In fact, some have been identified as being either early strikes or master coins.

A pair of 1795 dollars continues to draw a particular amount of attention. One of these coins is often compared to the Garrett 1795 Master Coin, which was sold for an astounding $170,000 in 1980.

Read more Famous Museum Coins

Labels: coin collecting