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.

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 medal, commissioned in Poland in 1875, commemorates the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Florian and Sophie Rakowskich. The Old Village, a town owned by the Rakowskichs, was the site of a Russian battle against Polish rebels in 1863.Obverse inscription: D.29 CZERWCA 1875 ROKU.
Description
This medal, commissioned in Poland in 1875, commemorates the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Florian and Sophie Rakowskich. The Old Village, a town owned by the Rakowskichs, was the site of a Russian battle against Polish rebels in 1863.
Obverse inscription: D.29 CZERWCA 1875 ROKU. / W STAREJ WSI. ("29th of June 1875. / In the old village.").
Reverse inscription: NA PAMIATKE / SLOTEGO WESELA / FLORYANA I ZOFII RAKOWSKICH ("Commemorating / Golden Anniversary / Floriana and Sophia Rakowskich").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1875
ID Number
NU.68.263.1081
catalog number
68.263.1081
accession number
281689
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 medal commemorates Joachim Lelewe l (1786-1861), a Polish historian and politician with revolutionary ideas against Russia. He fled Poland for France, and then went on to Belgium, where he remained from 1833 to 1861.
Description
This medal commemorates Joachim Lelewe l (1786-1861), a Polish historian and politician with revolutionary ideas against Russia. He fled Poland for France, and then went on to Belgium, where he remained from 1833 to 1861. Amongst his writings were two numismatic works - "La Numismatique du Moyen Age" (1835) and "Etudes Numismatiques" (1840). Jean Wurden, who designed this medal, is identified by the inscription under the bust - Wurden F. ("Wurden Fecit" - Wurden made it).
Obverse inscription: A LELEWEL L'ILLUSTRE NUMISMATE ("To Lelewel, noted numismatist" in French).
Reverse inscription: AMOR BELGARUM EXSULIS SOLATIUM 1833-1858 (Roughly "Love from Belgium comforts the exile" in Latin).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1858
ID Number
NU.68.263.1077
catalog number
68.263.1077
accession number
281689
This infantry regiment token was commissioned in Russia in 1900. Obverse inscription: CTAPИЧКОЪ. / 1700 – 1900 / 25 ІЮНЯ (“Starichov. 1700-1900 / June 25”).Reverse inscription: ВЪ ПАМЯТЬ 200 ЛЬТІЯ 45 ПЬXOTHAГО АЗОВСКАГО ФЕЛЬДМАРЩАЛА ГРАФА ГОЛОВИНА НЬІНЬ Е.И.В.В.К.
Description
This infantry regiment token was commissioned in Russia in 1900. Obverse inscription: CTAPИЧКОЪ. / 1700 – 1900 / 25 ІЮНЯ (“Starichov. 1700-1900 / June 25”).
Reverse inscription: ВЪ ПАМЯТЬ 200 ЛЬТІЯ 45 ПЬXOTHAГО АЗОВСКАГО ФЕЛЬДМАРЩАЛА ГРАФА ГОЛОВИНА НЬІНЬ Е.И.В.В.К. БОРИСА ВЛАДИМІРОВИЧА ПОЛКА. (In memory of 200 years of the 45th infantry regiment now by Field-Marshal Duke Golovin Boris Vladimirovich).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
ID Number
NU.68.263.1145
catalog number
68.263.1145
accession number
281689
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
This token commemorates the Russia-Moscow French Exposition in 1891 conducted under Alexander III (1881-1894).
Description
This token commemorates the Russia-Moscow French Exposition in 1891 conducted under Alexander III (1881-1894). This exposition was one of two World’s Fairs to take place in 1891.
Obverse inscription: PAX LABOR / MOSCOU PARIS (Peace and Labor/ Moscow Paris).
Reverse inscription: ФРАНЦУЗСКАЯ ВЫСТАВКА / ВЪ МОСКВЯ 1891("French show to Moscow in 1891").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1891
ID Number
NU.68.263.1066
catalog number
68.263.1066
accession number
281689
This Russian medal commemorates the liberation of Russian serfs on February 19, 1861 by Alexander II.
Description
This Russian medal commemorates the liberation of Russian serfs on February 19, 1861 by Alexander II. Alexander II ruled Russia from 1855-1881 and was affectionately known as The Liberator because of his Emancipation Manifesto.
Obverse inscription: БОЖЕ ЦАРЯ ХРАНИ ("God save the Tsar" - Written in an old form of Cyrillic).
Reverse inscription: ЦАРЮ ОСВОБОДИТЕЛЮ СЛАВА И МНОГИЯ ЛЕТА (Roughly "To our King and liberator, glory and long life").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1861
associated person
Alexander II Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.68.21.3
catalog number
68.21.3
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
Alexander III Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.68.263.699
catalog number
68.263.699
accession number
281689
One (1) beard token, novodelRussia, 1705Obverse Image: Nose, mustache, and beard with border around.Obverse Text: ДЕНГИ ВЗИТЬІ (Money Collected)Reverse Image: Double headed eagle with leaf border around.Reverse Text: АΨЕ ГОДУ (Year 1705)This jeton or beard token was issued in 170
Description (Brief)
One (1) beard token, novodel
Russia, 1705
Obverse Image: Nose, mustache, and beard with border around.
Obverse Text: ДЕНГИ ВЗИТЬІ (Money Collected)
Reverse Image: Double headed eagle with leaf border around.
Reverse Text: АΨЕ ГОДУ (Year 1705)
Description
This jeton or beard token was issued in 1705 by Peter I. Better known as Peter the Great and a member of the Romanov dynasty, he ruled Russia from 1689-1725. Peter l founded Saint Petersburg in 1703 and brought Western culture to Orthodox Russia. In his new city, men were expected to shave their faces and wear western clothes. Anyone wishing to remain bearded had to pay a tax and carry this token as proof.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1705
associated person
Peter I
ID Number
NU.NU61634
catalog number
NU61634
accession number
210914
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
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
This medal, awarded to the Imperial Russian Technical Society for Exposition of Hunting Weapons in 1897, was minted under Nicholas II (1894-1917). The Society was founded in 1866 for the promotion of Russian technology and industry.
Description
This medal, awarded to the Imperial Russian Technical Society for Exposition of Hunting Weapons in 1897, was minted under Nicholas II (1894-1917). The Society was founded in 1866 for the promotion of Russian technology and industry. Medals were awarded to national industries for solving complex technical problems.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1897
ID Number
NU.68.263.1051
catalog number
68.263.1051
accession number
281689
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 or personal token depicts Peter I of Russia. Wealthy individuals used tokens as calling cards, placing one in a tray beside the door of an establishment they visited. Better known as Peter the Great and member of the Romanov dynasty, Peter I ruled from 1689-1725.
Description
This jeton or personal token depicts Peter I of Russia. Wealthy individuals used tokens as calling cards, placing one in a tray beside the door of an establishment they visited. Better known as Peter the Great and member of the Romanov dynasty, Peter I ruled from 1689-1725. This copy of the original jeton is from 1911.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1911
associated person
Peter I
ID Number
NU.NU61646
catalog number
NU61646
accession number
210914
This medal was issued in Russia to commemorate the German regiment that fought in the Russo-Turkish War, 1828-1829.Obverse inscription: ZUM ANDENKEN ("In Memory").Reverse inscription: KON. PREUSS KAISER ALEX V. RUSSLAND ULANEN REG.
Description
This medal was issued in Russia to commemorate the German regiment that fought in the Russo-Turkish War, 1828-1829.
Obverse inscription: ZUM ANDENKEN ("In Memory").
Reverse inscription: KON. PREUSS KAISER ALEX V. RUSSLAND ULANEN REG. (1 BRAND) N 3 / 1829 / 1879 ("King of Prussia Kaiser Alexander of Russia Lancers Regiment").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1879
associated person
Alexander II Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.68.21.41
catalog number
68.21.41
accession number
276536
This is an Italian/Russian mule coin sample from Russia. It was originally an older Italian coin, minted in 1863, that was later used to demonstrate a new minting technology to the Russian government in 1876.
Description
This is an Italian/Russian mule coin sample from Russia. It was originally an older Italian coin, minted in 1863, that was later used to demonstrate a new minting technology to the Russian government in 1876. The obverse of this coin is in its original Italian, while the reverse is the later demonstrations sample from 1876.
Obverse inscription: VITTORIO EMANUELE 1863
Reverse inscription: (None)
Location
Currently not on view
date reverse mint
1876
date obverse mint
1863
ID Number
NU.68.21.521
catalog number
68.21.521
accession number
276536
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
This jeton or medalette commemorates the completion of the railroad connecting Saint Petersburg, Russia and Warsaw, Poland in 1862.
Description
This jeton or medalette commemorates the completion of the railroad connecting Saint Petersburg, Russia and Warsaw, Poland in 1862. During the 19th century, much of Poland was under Russian control and was ruled by the Romanovs.
Obverse inscription: H I - A II / 1852 - 1862 С.НЕТЕРЕУРГО - КАРШАВСКАЯ ЖЕЛЂЗНАЯ ДОРОТА (H I represents Nicholas I, A II is Alexander II).
Reverse inscription: СОТРУДНИКАМЪ ПО УСТРОЙСТВУ ДОРОГИ / Bacui : Ceperebur / ШАШИНУ / 102 (H I represents Nicholas I, A II is Alexander II, the Tsars of Poland in 1852 and 1862 respectively).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1862
associated person
Nicholas I Emperor of Russia
Alexander II
ID Number
NU.66.28821
catalog number
66.28821
accession number
270424
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
This medal, awarded to the Imperial Russian Technical Society for Exposition of Hunting Weapons in 1897, was minted under Nicholas II (1894-1917). The Society was founded in 1866 for the promotion of Russian technology and industry.
Description
This medal, awarded to the Imperial Russian Technical Society for Exposition of Hunting Weapons in 1897, was minted under Nicholas II (1894-1917). The Society was founded in 1866 for the promotion of Russian technology and industry. Medals were awarded to national industries for solving complex technical problems.
Obverse inscription: ВТОРУЮ ВЫСТАВКУ ОХОТНИЧЬЕГО ОРУЖИЕ И ПРОМЫСЛА / 1897 ("Second Exposition of Hunting Weapons and Fisheries").
Reverse inscription: ИМПЕРАТОРСКОЕ РУССКОЕ ТЕХНИЧЕСКОЕ ОБЩЕСТВО ("Imperial Russian Technical Society").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1897
ID Number
NU.68.263.1052
catalog number
68.263.1052
accession number
281689

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