Coins, Currency, and Medals - Overview
The Museum possesses one of the largest numismatic collections in the world. The collections include over 1 million objects, comprising coins, medals, decorations, and pieces of paper money. Among the many great rarities here are some of the world’s oldest coins, created 2,700 years ago. But the collection also includes the latest innovations in electronic monetary exchange, as well as beads, wampum, and other commodities once used as money. A special strength lies in artifacts that illustrate the development of money and medals in the United States. The American section includes many rare and significant coins, such as two of three known examples of the world's most valuable coin, the 1933 double eagle $20 gold piece.
"Coins, Currency, and Medals - Overview" showing 2 items.
Moses Guilford Lowe; Souvenir of Guilford, Maine
- Description (Brief)
- Celluloid badge medallion. One side features a tinted photograph of an eldery man, labeled "Moses Guilford Lowe -- First Boy Baby Born in Guilford," with a brown border. The reverse side is white with blue print. The item is a souvenir of the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of Guilford, Maine (1816-1916).
- The medallion is an advertising piece for "R. E. Prey-- Your Barber."
- date made
- 1916
- maker
- Cruver Manufacturing Company
- ID Number
- 2006.0098.1635
- catalog number
- 2006.0098.1635
- accession number
- 2006.0098
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Souvenir of the Opening of the East River Bridge, May 24, 1883
- Description
- By the late 19th century, the United States had established itself as a world leader in the area of civil engineering. Perhaps no project better symbolized America's technical prowess than the awe-inspiring Brooklyn Bridge, which connected the nation's largest and third largest cities—New York and Brooklyn, respectively—in 1883 across the turbulent tidal strait known as the East River. The main 1,600-foot (490-meter) span of this towering suspension bridge exceeded the world's longest span by fifty percent.
- The bridge's opening prompted a huge celebration. This white metal medallion was struck to commemorate that occasion. Its obverse proudly proclaims the motto, "Two Cities As One," while the legend on its reverse reads: "Souvenir of the Opening of the East River Bridge, May 24th 1883."
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Date made
- 1883
- associated date
- 1883-05-24
- ID Number
- 1981.0079.01
- accession number
- 1981.0079
- catalog number
- 1981.0079.01
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center