Collection of Foreign Coins
Second-largest in terms of size, though equally diverse, is the Collection of Foreign Coins. Numbering about 50,000 items from countries throughout Europe, the majority of the collection was also obtained by way of so-called compensatory campaigns after the Second World War. The collection covers a vast geographical and chronological expanse – from coins dating back to the 7 th –11 th centuries up to modern times. Visitors can find a Longobardian half-siliqua of King Perctarit, French deniers of Emperor Louis the Pious, German Otto-Adelheid pfennigs, Anglo-Saxon pennies of King Aethelerd II and coins of other rulers of early Medieval Europe.
These antique coins minted in various corners of Europe are not only featured in the Department of Coins and Medals collection but are also featured as part of rich exhibits of Central European hoards. Particularly noteworthy is a collection of German bracteates, lacking inscription, issued by the prioresses of Quedlinburg and Margraves of Meissen. Additionally, a magnificent set of cross-pennies is sure to excite every coin lover visiting the exhibition. To demonstrate the emergence of gold as a coinage material in the 14 th century, the collection offers fine examples of florins and guldens from Italy, Hungary and Germany, as well as French écu d’or and English nobles. Following the collection through to Early Modern times, visitors can trace nearly every issue of thalers, from the earliest so called Joachimsthalers minted in the early 16 th century through to an assortment of imperial, municipal, ducal, and bishops’ issues. An interesting angle is added to the collection with a series of siege coins, unique on account of their atypical materials and the circumstances under which they were minted. Also greatly interesting from an iconographical perspective are commemorative coins such as Saxon award clips, thaler impressions in gold, or silver medallic thalers minted in the early 17 th century in the duchy of Braunschweig-Wolfenbuttel, unique on account of their diameter and weight. A collection of 19th and 20th century coins rounds off and completes this delightful exhibit of European coinage.
These antique coins minted in various corners of Europe are not only featured in the Department of Coins and Medals collection but are also featured as part of rich exhibits of Central European hoards. Particularly noteworthy is a collection of German bracteates, lacking inscription, issued by the prioresses of Quedlinburg and Margraves of Meissen. Additionally, a magnificent set of cross-pennies is sure to excite every coin lover visiting the exhibition. To demonstrate the emergence of gold as a coinage material in the 14 th century, the collection offers fine examples of florins and guldens from Italy, Hungary and Germany, as well as French écu d’or and English nobles. Following the collection through to Early Modern times, visitors can trace nearly every issue of thalers, from the earliest so called Joachimsthalers minted in the early 16 th century through to an assortment of imperial, municipal, ducal, and bishops’ issues. An interesting angle is added to the collection with a series of siege coins, unique on account of their atypical materials and the circumstances under which they were minted. Also greatly interesting from an iconographical perspective are commemorative coins such as Saxon award clips, thaler impressions in gold, or silver medallic thalers minted in the early 17 th century in the duchy of Braunschweig-Wolfenbuttel, unique on account of their diameter and weight. A collection of 19th and 20th century coins rounds off and completes this delightful exhibit of European coinage.
Explore collections
- Collection of Polish Coins
- Collection of Coins from Lands Historically Affiliated with Poland
- Collection of Ancient Coins
- Collection of Foreign Coins
- Collection of Eastern Coins
- Collection of Banknotes and Paper Securities
- Collection of Polish and Foreign Medals
- Sigillography Collection
- Faleristics Collection
- Collection of Religious Pendants and Miscellanea