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.

One (1) ruble coin, pattern, Paul IRussia, 1796Obverse Image: Portrait of Paul I facing right.Obverse Text: Б / M / ПABEAЂ/ I / IMП / ИCAMOД / BCEPOCC / C.L.F. / CПБ [Paul I the Emperor and Autocrat of all Russia / C.L.F.
Description (Brief)
One (1) ruble coin, pattern, Paul I
Russia, 1796
Obverse Image: Portrait of Paul I facing right.
Obverse Text: Б / M / ПABEAЂ/ I / IMП / ИCAMOД / BCEPOCC / C.L.F. / CПБ [Paul I the Emperor and Autocrat of all Russia / C.L.F. / SPB]
Reverse Image: Center the Russian coat-of-arms, a double-headed eagle wearing a shield with a mounted figure (Saint George), surrounded by four crowned П (P for Paul).
Reverse Text: MOHETA / РƔБЛЬ / 1796 / IOДA / [coin / ruble / 1796 / year]
Description
This pattern ruble was minted in Russia in 1796 under Paul I. Paul I was Emperor of Russia from 1769 until his assassination in March of 1801.
date made
1796
head of government
Paul I Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.NU83551
catalog number
NU83551
accession number
257688
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1727
Associated Name
Catherine I
ID Number
NU.NU62810
catalog number
NU62810
accession number
228217
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1727
ruler
Peter II
ID Number
NU.NU62822.1
catalog number
NU62822.1
accession number
228217
One (1) kopek coin, Peter IIRussia, 1730Obverse Image: Crowned initials.Obverse Text: I / IReverse Image: St. George on horseback slaying the dragon.Reverse Text: КОПЕИКАPeter II ruled from 1727 to 1730. This coin depicts St. George on horseback as he slays the dragon below.
Description (Brief)
One (1) kopek coin, Peter II
Russia, 1730
Obverse Image: Crowned initials.
Obverse Text: I / I
Reverse Image: St. George on horseback slaying the dragon.
Reverse Text: КОПЕИКА
Description
Peter II ruled from 1727 to 1730. This coin depicts St. George on horseback as he slays the dragon below.
date made
1730
ruler
Peter II
ID Number
NU.NU62855
catalog number
NU62855
accession number
228217
Russia 1783Catherine IIComm. Academy of ArtsObverse Inscription: ОКТЯБРЯ 21 1783 ГОААNo Reverse InscriptionCurrently not on view
Description
Russia 1783
Catherine II
Comm. Academy of Arts
Obverse Inscription: ОКТЯБРЯ 21 1783 ГОАА
No Reverse Inscription
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1783
associated person
Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great
ID Number
NU.NU77990
catalog number
NU77990
accession number
252180
Minted in Russia in 1726, near the end of Catherine I's reign, this experimental half poltina was created to test a new metallic composition. The note attached to the coin describes the new formulation.
Description
Minted in Russia in 1726, near the end of Catherine I's reign, this experimental half poltina was created to test a new metallic composition. The note attached to the coin describes the new formulation. Catherine I ruled from 1725 to her death in 1727.
Obverse text: Half poltina / 1726 SPB
Obverse image: Portrait of Catherine I
Reverse text: No reverse inscription.
Reverse image: Center the Russian coat-of-arms, a two-headed eagle wearing a shield with a mounted figure of Saint George. Imperial crowns on each eagle head stands for the unity and sovereignty of Russia, the orb and scepter grasped in the eagle's toes are traditional heraldic symbols.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1726
ruler
Catherine I
ID Number
NU.NU62749.2
catalog number
NU62749.2
accession number
228217
This medal was struck in Russia on May 14, 1896 to commemorate the coronation of Nicholas II who ruled from 1894-1917.
Description
This medal was struck in Russia on May 14, 1896 to commemorate the coronation of Nicholas II who ruled from 1894-1917. The last Emperor of Russia, Nicholas II was assassinated by the Bolsheviks on July 17, 1918.
Obverse inscription: Н2А ("Nicholas II Alexandra").
Reverse inscription: ВЪ ПАМЯТЬ СВЯЩЕННАГО КОРОНОВАНIЯ / ИХЪ ИМПЕРАТОРСКИХЪ ВЕЛИЧЕСТВЪ 14 МАЯ / ("In Memory of the Sacred Coronation / Their Imperial Majesties, May 14th").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1896
associated person
Nicholas II
ID Number
NU.68.263.1070
catalog number
68.263.1070
accession number
281689
One (1) ruble coin, patternRussia, 1845Obverse Image: Right-facing portrait of Emperor Nicholas I.Obverse Text: Б / M / NИКOЛАИ / I / ИМПЕРАТОРЪ / И / САМОДЕРКЕПЪ / BCEPOCC.
Description (Brief)
One (1) ruble coin, pattern
Russia, 1845
Obverse Image: Right-facing portrait of Emperor Nicholas I.
Obverse Text: Б / M / NИКOЛАИ / I / ИМПЕРАТОРЪ / И / САМОДЕРКЕПЪ / BCEPOCC. [Nicholas I the Emperor and Autocrat of all Russia]
Reverse Image: Center the Russian coat-of-arms, a double-headed eagle wearing a shield with a mounted figure (Saint George), the imperial crowns on each head stand for the unity and sovereignty of Russia, the orb and scepter grasped in the eagle's talons are traditional heraldic symbols.
Reverse Text: ЧИСТАГО / CEPEБPA / 4 30ЛОТНИКА / 21 ДОЛЯ / 1845 [4 zlotn. / 21 shares of pure silver / 1845]
Description
Minted in Russia in 1845, this pattern ruble was issued during the reign of Nicholas I. Married to Charlotte (Alexandra Fedorovna) of Prussia, Nicholas I ruled from 1825 to his death on March 2, 1855. He led the Russian army unsuccessfully in the Crimean War, but helped defeat the Ottoman Empire in the Russo-Turkish War (1828-29). Under his rule, the Russian Empire spanned over 7.7 million square miles.
date made
1845
head of government
Nicholas I Emperor of Russia
issuing authority
Nicholas I Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.68.263.202
accession number
281689
catalog number
68.263.202
One (1) 1/2 poltina coin, Catherine IRussia, 1726Obverse Image: Four (4) stamped images of the double-headed eagle.Obverse Text: ПЕНА / НОЛПОЛТІНЬІ / 1726 / ЕКАТЕРІНЬ / БᴕРXЬReverse Image: N/AReverse Text: N/ASquare shaped copper plates like this one were issued in Russia from 17
Description (Brief)
One (1) 1/2 poltina coin, Catherine I
Russia, 1726
Obverse Image: Four (4) stamped images of the double-headed eagle.
Obverse Text: ПЕНА / НОЛПОЛТІНЬІ / 1726 / ЕКАТЕРІНЬ / БᴕРXЬ
Reverse Image: N/A
Reverse Text: N/A
Description
Square shaped copper plates like this one were issued in Russia from 1725 to 1727. They were a variety of sizes and contained enough copper to be of similar value to the silver coins.
date made
1726
ruler
Catherine I
ID Number
NU.NU62756
catalog number
NU62756
accession number
228217
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1726
ruler
Catherine I
ID Number
NU.NU62764
catalog number
NU62764
accession number
228217
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1913
ID Number
NU.NU51759
catalog number
NU51759
accession number
161590
One (1) grosh coin, Catherine IRussia, 1727Obverse Image: N/AObverse Text: [too worn to decipher]Reverse Image: Double-headed eagle.Reverse Text: N/A
Description (Brief)
One (1) grosh coin, Catherine I
Russia, 1727
Obverse Image: N/A
Obverse Text: [too worn to decipher]
Reverse Image: Double-headed eagle.
Reverse Text: N/A
date made
1727
Associated Name
Catherine I
ID Number
NU.NU62809
catalog number
NU62809
accession number
228217
Russia 1903Obverse Inscription: NoneReverse Inscription: LIX / 28 MARTA 1903Currently not on view
Description
Russia 1903
Obverse Inscription: None
Reverse Inscription: LIX / 28 MARTA 1903
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1903
ID Number
NU.68.263.1318
catalog number
68.263.1318
accession number
281689
Russia 1772Obverse Inscription: КОНЗAB / 1 КOР. УГΛЯ 1772 ГOДAReverse: BlankCurrently not on view
Description
Russia 1772
Obverse Inscription: КОНЗAB / 1 КOР. УГΛЯ 1772 ГOДA
Reverse: Blank
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1772
ID Number
NU.69.129.721
catalog number
69.129.721
accession number
286472
This anniversary token was commissioned in Poland in 1865 to commemorate the Silver Wedding Anniversary of Simon Rosen and Henriette Epstein. It was designed by J.
Description
This anniversary token was commissioned in Poland in 1865 to commemorate the Silver Wedding Anniversary of Simon Rosen and Henriette Epstein. It was designed by J. Minheymer a medalist during the reign of Russian Czar Alexander II (1855-1881) who ruled Poland during this period.
Obverse inscription: XXV / R / D.17 Listo: 1865 (“The 17th of November 1865”).
Reverse inscription: CWIERC’ WIEKU SREBRNA PŁYNIE STRUGA, / NIECH ZŁOTEN TERAZ PŁYNIE DRUGA (“From a quarter-century flows a stream of silver / now let the second flow gold”).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865
ID Number
NU.68.263.1082
catalog number
68.263.1082
accession number
281689
This jeton is also called a B Barn S token. Notice the engraved letters.Currently not on view
Description
This jeton is also called a B Barn S token. Notice the engraved letters.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
n.d.
ID Number
NU.68.193.23
catalog number
68.193.23
accession number
281143
This personal token is inscribed with Guviev. Wealthy individuals had tokens made as calling cards and left one in a tray beside the door of establishments when they visited.Obverse inscription: (None)Reverse inscription: (None)Currently not on view
Description
This personal token is inscribed with Guviev. Wealthy individuals had tokens made as calling cards and left one in a tray beside the door of establishments when they visited.
Obverse inscription: (None)
Reverse inscription: (None)
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
NU.68.263.776
catalog number
68.263.776
accession number
281689
One (1) 5 kopek coin, ElizabethRussia, 1757Obverse Image: Crowned imperial monogram of Elizabeth, surrounded by laurels.Obverse Text: 1757Reverse Image: Two intersecting anchors, scroll with text below.Reverse Text: ПЯТЬ / КОПѢЕКЪ
Description (Brief)
One (1) 5 kopek coin, Elizabeth
Russia, 1757
Obverse Image: Crowned imperial monogram of Elizabeth, surrounded by laurels.
Obverse Text: 1757
Reverse Image: Two intersecting anchors, scroll with text below.
Reverse Text: ПЯТЬ / КОПѢЕКЪ
date made
1757
associated date
1757
head of government
Elizabeth
ID Number
NU.NU65213
accession number
240108
catalog number
NU65213
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1533 - 1547
ID Number
2001.0009.0032
accession number
2001.0009
catalog number
2001.0009.0032
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1726
ruler
Catherine I
ID Number
NU.NU62759
catalog number
NU62759
accession number
228217
This medalette commemorates the monument built at Borodino, the site of one of the most significant battles against Napoleon in Russian history. The Battle at Borodino took place on August 26, 1812.Obverse inscription: БОРОДИНО 26 АВГУС 1812Г. / ОТКРЫТЪ 26 АВГУС. 1839Г.
Description
This medalette commemorates the monument built at Borodino, the site of one of the most significant battles against Napoleon in Russian history. The Battle at Borodino took place on August 26, 1812.
Obverse inscription: БОРОДИНО 26 АВГУС 1812Г. / ОТКРЫТЪ 26 АВГУС. 1839Г. ("Borodino, 26 August 1812. / Open, 26 August 1839").
Reverse inscription: (None)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1839
ID Number
NU.68.263.693
catalog number
68.263.693
accession number
281689
Russia 1868YPS Token.Obverse Inscription: УПСReverse Inscription: 1868НToken is semi-circular. Material unknown, but shows extensive white corrosion (possibly contains lead?)Currently not on view
Description
Russia 1868
YPS Token.
Obverse Inscription: УПС
Reverse Inscription: 1868Н
Token is semi-circular. Material unknown, but shows extensive white corrosion (possibly contains lead?)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1868
ID Number
NU.69.129.716
catalog number
69.129.716
accession number
286472
One (1) denga coin, Peter IRussia, 1710Obverse Image: Decorative border.Obverse Text: РОС / ИСКАД / ДEНГА / 1710 / МДReverse Image: Double-headed eagle wearing crown, holding orb and scepter in claws.Reverse Text: N/ABefore becoming Emperor of Russia in 1721, Peter I ruled as Tsa
Description (Brief)
One (1) denga coin, Peter I
Russia, 1710
Obverse Image: Decorative border.
Obverse Text: РОС / ИСКАД / ДEНГА / 1710 / МД
Reverse Image: Double-headed eagle wearing crown, holding orb and scepter in claws.
Reverse Text: N/A
Description
Before becoming Emperor of Russia in 1721, Peter I ruled as Tsar of Russia from 1682. This denga coin was equal to 1/2 kopeck or 1/200 ruble.
date made
1710
ruler
Peter I
ID Number
NU.NU61492
catalog number
NU61492
accession number
210914
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1726
ruler
Catherine I
ID Number
NU.NU62761
catalog number
NU62761
accession number
228217

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