Coins, Currency, and Medals

The museum possesses one of the largest and most diverse numismatic collections in the world. Its diverse holdings represent every inhabited continent and span more than three millennia. The collection includes coins, paper money, medals, tokens, commodity and alternative currencies, coin dies, printing plates, scales and weights, financial documents and apparatuses, credit cards, and objects that reflect established and emerging digital monetary technologies worldwide.

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1957
issuing authority
Diner's Club of Germany
ID Number
NU.72.66.74
accession number
301409
catalog number
72.66.74
This token commemorates the Germany and Russia Alliance in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Frederich III, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker.
Description
This token commemorates the Germany and Russia Alliance in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Frederich III, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker. Obverse inscription: ALEXANDER III KAISER VON RUSSLAND ("Alexander III Emperor of Russia").
Reverse inscription: FRIEDRICH DEUTSCHER KAISER KÖNIG V. PREUSSEN + 15.6.1888. ("Frederick, German Kaiser, King of Prussia").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1888
associated person
Alexander III Emperor of Russia
Friedrich III King of Prussia and Emperor of Germany
ID Number
NU.68.263.698
catalog number
68.263.698
accession number
281689
This jeton or token commemorates the alliance between Germany and Russia in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Wilhelm I, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia.
Description
This jeton or token commemorates the alliance between Germany and Russia in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Wilhelm I, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker.
Obverse inscription: ALEXANDER III KAISER VON RUSSLAND ("Alexander III Emperor of Russia").
Reverse inscription: WILHELM DEUTSCHER KAISER KÖNIG V. PREUSSEN +9/3 1888. ("William, German Kaiser, King of Prussia").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1888
associated person
Wilhelm I
Alexander III Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.68.21.204
catalog number
68.21.204
accession number
276536
This token was minted to commemorate the meeting of Alexander III (Emperor of Russia), Umberto I (King of Italy), and Wilhem II (Kaiser and King of Prussia) in Berlin, Germany in 1889. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker.
Description
This token was minted to commemorate the meeting of Alexander III (Emperor of Russia), Umberto I (King of Italy), and Wilhem II (Kaiser and King of Prussia) in Berlin, Germany in 1889. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker. Obverse inscription: (None)
Reverse inscription: KAISER WILHELM II – KÖNIG UMBERTO I (“Emperor Wilhelm II – King Umberto I).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1889
associated person
Alexander III Emperor of Russia
Wilhelm II King of Prussia and Emperor of Germany
Umberto I
ID Number
NU.68.21.236
catalog number
68.21.236
accession number
276536
This token commemorates the Germany and Russia Alliance in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Frederich III, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker.
Description
This token commemorates the Germany and Russia Alliance in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Frederich III, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker. Obverse inscription: ALEXANDER III KAISER VON RUSSLAND ("Alexander III Emperor of Russia").
Reverse inscription: FRIEDRICH DEUTSCHER KAISER KÖNIG V. PREUSSEN ("Frederick, German Kaiser, King of Prussia").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1888
associated person
Friedrich III King of Prussia and Emperor of Germany
Alexander III Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.68.21.210
catalog number
68.21.210
accession number
276536
This token commemorates the Germany and Russia Alliance in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Wilhelm II, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker.
Description
This token commemorates the Germany and Russia Alliance in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Wilhelm II, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker. Obverse inscription: ALEXANDER III KAISER VON RUSSLAND ("Alexander III Emperor of Russia").
Reverse inscription: WILHELM II DEUTSCHER KAISER KÖNIG V. PREUSSEN +9/3 1888. ("Wilhelm II, German Kaiser, King of Prussia").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1888
associated person
Wilhelm II King of Prussia and Emperor of Germany
Alexander III Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.68.21.224
catalog number
68.21.224
accession number
276536
Germany 1808Alexander IObverse Inscription: ALEXANDER KAISER VON RUSSLAND ("Alexander, Emperor of Russia")Reverse Inscription: S. NICOLAUS ZIERT DAS LAND / IETTON / 1808 ("Saint Nicholas Graces the Land")Currently not on view
Description
Germany 1808
Alexander I
Obverse Inscription: ALEXANDER KAISER VON RUSSLAND ("Alexander, Emperor of Russia")
Reverse Inscription: S. NICOLAUS ZIERT DAS LAND / IETTON / 1808 ("Saint Nicholas Graces the Land")
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1808
ID Number
NU.69.127.505
catalog number
69.127.0505
accession number
286471
Germany n.d.Catherine IIObverse Inscription: CATHR.II D.G.
Description
Germany n.d.
Catherine II
Obverse Inscription: CATHR.II D.G. RUSS IMP ("Catherine II by the Grace of God Emperess of Russia")
Reverse Inscription: (Indistinct)...LIK LACHET DER ANKER WACH...(Indistinct) - (Believed to be a segment of DER ANKER WACHET, DAS GLÜCK LACHET - roughly "While the Anchor Rests, Luck Smiles" - possibly a gaming token)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1762-1796
ID Number
NU.69.127.521
catalog number
69.127.0521
accession number
286471
This token commemorates the Germany and Russia Alliance in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Frederich III, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker.
Description
This token commemorates the Germany and Russia Alliance in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Frederich III, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker. Obverse inscription: ALEXANDER III KAISER VON RUSSLAND ("Alexander III Emperor of Russia").
Reverse inscription: FRIEDRICH DEUTSCHER KAISER KÖNIG V. PREUSSEN ("Frederick, German Kaiser, King of Prussia").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1888
associated person
Friedrich III
Alexander III Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.68.263.699
catalog number
68.263.699
accession number
281689
GermanyAlexander III (Russia) & Naser al-Din (Persia)Obverse Inscription: ALEXANDER III. KAISER VON RUSSLAND ("Alexander III, Emperor of Russia")Reverse Inscription: NASSR-ED-DIN SCHAH VON PERSIEN ("Nasser-Ed-Din, Shah of Persian")Currently not on view
Description
Germany
Alexander III (Russia) & Naser al-Din (Persia)
Obverse Inscription: ALEXANDER III. KAISER VON RUSSLAND ("Alexander III, Emperor of Russia")
Reverse Inscription: NASSR-ED-DIN SCHAH VON PERSIEN ("Nasser-Ed-Din, Shah of Persian")
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1881-1894
ID Number
NU.69.127.389
catalog number
69.127.0389
accession number
286471
This token commemorates the Germany and Russia Alliance in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Frederich III, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker.
Description
This token commemorates the Germany and Russia Alliance in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Frederich III, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker. Obverse inscription: ALEXANDER III KAISER VON RUSSLAND ("Alexander III Emperor of Russia").
Reverse inscription: FRIEDRICH DEUTSCHER KAISER KÖNIG V. PREUSSEN ("Frederick, German Kaiser, King of Prussia").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1888
associated person
Friedrich III
Alexander III Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.68.263.700
catalog number
68.263.700
accession number
281689
This token commemorates the Germany and Russia Alliance in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Frederich III, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker.
Description
This token commemorates the Germany and Russia Alliance in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Frederich III, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker. This token was designed by Otto Oertel.
Obverse inscription: ALEXANDER III KAISER VON RUSSLAND ("Alexander III Emperor of Russia”).
Reverse inscription: FRIEDRICH DEUTSCHER KAISER KÖNIG V. PREUSSEN ("Frederick, German Kaiser, King of Prussia").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1888
associated person
Alexander III Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.68.21.212
catalog number
68.21.212
accession number
276536
Germany 1800Alexander IObverse Inscription: (Indistinct) VON RUSSLAND / IETTON ("... of Russia")Reverse Inscription: (Indistinct) / 1800Currently not on view
Description
Germany 1800
Alexander I
Obverse Inscription: (Indistinct) VON RUSSLAND / IETTON ("... of Russia")
Reverse Inscription: (Indistinct) / 1800
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1800
ID Number
NU.69.127.518
catalog number
69.127.0518
accession number
286471
This jeton or medal was struck to honor of the death of Czar Nicholas I who died on March 2, 1855. Death medals were struck to preserve the image and memory of a deceased ruler.Currently not on view
Description
This jeton or medal was struck to honor of the death of Czar Nicholas I who died on March 2, 1855. Death medals were struck to preserve the image and memory of a deceased ruler.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1855
ID Number
NU.66.28822
catalog number
66.28822
accession number
270424
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1633
ID Number
NU.NU53318
collector/donor number
5735
catalog number
NU53318
accession number
188649
This token commemorates the Germany and Russia Alliance in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Frederich III, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker.
Description
This token commemorates the Germany and Russia Alliance in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Frederich III, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker. This token was designed by Otto Oertel.
Obverse inscription: ALEXANDER III KAISER VON RUSSLAND ("Alexander III Emperor of Russia”).
Reverse inscription: FRIEDRICH DEUTSCHER KAISER KÖNIG V. PREUSSEN ("Frederick, German Kaiser, King of Prussia").
Location
Currently not on view
associated person
Alexander III Emperor of Russia
Friedrich III King of Prussia and Emperor of Germany
ID Number
NU.68.21.213
catalog number
68.21.213
accession number
276536
GermanyAlexander III (Russia) & Naser al-Din (Persia)Obverse Inscription: ALEXANDER III KAISER VON RUSSLAND ("Alexander III, Emperor of Russia")Reverse Inscription: NASSR-ED-DIN SCHAH VON PERSIEN ("Nassr-Ed-Din, Shah of Persia")Currently not on view
Description
Germany
Alexander III (Russia) & Naser al-Din (Persia)
Obverse Inscription: ALEXANDER III KAISER VON RUSSLAND ("Alexander III, Emperor of Russia")
Reverse Inscription: NASSR-ED-DIN SCHAH VON PERSIEN ("Nassr-Ed-Din, Shah of Persia")
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1881-1894
ID Number
NU.69.127.388
catalog number
69.127.0388
accession number
286471
Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteers[[obverse text]]STADT-SPARKASSE BIELEFELD / ZAHLE GEGEN DIESEN NOTGELDSCHEIN / 4,20 GOLD MARKS / [top left]BEKANNT / LICH MOCHTE IN / DIESER WELT, JEDER / GERN HABER WAS / IHM GEFALLT.
Crowdsourcing
Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteers
Description
[[obverse text]]
STADT-SPARKASSE BIELEFELD / ZAHLE GEGEN DIESEN NOTGELDSCHEIN / 4,20 GOLD MARKS / [top left]
BEKANNT / LICH MOCHTE IN / DIESER WELT, JEDER / GERN HABER WAS / IHM GEFALLT. ~ / SIRACH 31, / VERS 3 / [bottom left] MACHEN / DIE SORGEN DICH / KLAGLICH WEICH / SCHLUPP DI WUTSCH! / ENTFERNE SIE GLEICH! / SIRACH 32, VERS 6 / EINLÖSUNG BIS 15 JANUAR 1924 / [top right] ZWERTBESTANDIG! / GENEHMIGT DURCH / REICHSMINISTER DER / FINANZEN. GEDECKT / DURCH RIECHSGOLD- / ANLEINE. / [bottom right] 1823: / 1PFD. BUTTER = / 6 GROSCHEN 1.12, / 23-24 BILLIONEN / 1823: PFD. LEBER- / WURST: 4 GROSCHEN / 1.12, 23-4 BILLI. / EINLÖSUNG BIS 15 JANUAR 1924 / [around image] HIER DIE ZIERLICHEN MOSJÖS, DORT DIE DAMEN MIT DEN SÜSSEN HIMMLISCH HOHEN PRACHTPOPÖS. (WILM. BUSCH)WIE SIE SCHAUEN, WIE SIS SHUSSEN! /
[under image] = 1 DOLLAR / BIELEFELD 1. DEZEMBER 1923 / DER MAGISTRAT: [SIGNATURE] / DRUCK: E GUNDLACH A.-G. BIELEFELD. GES. GESCH. D.G.M.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1923
date on object
1923-12-01
ID Number
2008.0108.0017
accession number
2008.0108
catalog number
2008.0108.0017
collector/donor number
CM-

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