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. 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
One (1) 10 ruble coin, pattern, Nicholas IIRussia, 1895Obverse Image: Portrait of Nicolas II facing left.Obverse Text: Б.М.НИКОЛАЙ II ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 10 ruble coin, pattern, Nicholas II
Russia, 1895
Obverse Image: Portrait of Nicolas II facing left.
Obverse Text: Б.М.НИКОЛАЙ II ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС. [Nicholas II 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: [2/3 of Imperial / 10 Rubles / 1895]
Description
This pattern 10 ruble coin was struck in Russia in 1895, under Nicholas II who ruled from 1894 - 1917. Last Emperor of Russia, Nicholas II was assassinated with his family by the Bolsheviks on July 17, 1918.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1895
head of government
Nicholas II Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.69.128.393
accession number
286473
catalog number
69.128.393
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1726
ruler
Catherine I
ID Number
NU.NU62757
catalog number
NU62757
accession number
228217
One (1) ruble coin, proof, Nicholas IIRussia, 1895Obverse Image: Portrait of Nicholas II facing left.Obverse Text: Б.М.НИКОЛАЙ II ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС.
Description (Brief)
One (1) ruble coin, proof, Nicholas II
Russia, 1895
Obverse Image: Portrait of Nicholas II facing left.
Obverse Text: Б.М.НИКОЛАЙ II ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС. [Nicholas II 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: РУБЛЬ 1895 Г.
Description
This proof ruble was struck in Russia in 1895, during the reign of Nicholas II who ruled from 1894 - 1917. The last Emperor of Russia, Nicholas II was assassinated with his family by the Bolsheviks on July 17, 1918.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1895
head of government
Nicholas II Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.68.263.492
accession number
281689
catalog number
68.263.492
RussiaInstitute of Mines medalBy Р.М. ГабеObverse Inscription: М. ГАБЕ РReverse Inscription: ОТЪ СОСЛУЖИВЦЕВЪ ПО ГОРНОМУ ИНСТИТУТУ ИМПЕРАТРИЦЫ ЕКАТЕРИНЫ II ("From Colleagues in the Empress Catherine II Mine")Currently not on view
Description
Russia
Institute of Mines medal
By Р.М. Габе
Obverse Inscription: М. ГАБЕ Р
Reverse Inscription: ОТЪ СОСЛУЖИВЦЕВЪ ПО ГОРНОМУ ИНСТИТУТУ ИМПЕРАТРИЦЫ ЕКАТЕРИНЫ II ("From Colleagues in the Empress Catherine II Mine")
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
NU.68.263.955
catalog number
68.263.955
accession number
281689
RS StorecardObverse Inscription: P.3 1840Currently not on view
Description
RS Storecard
Obverse Inscription: P.3 1840
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1840
ID Number
NU.69.129.720
catalog number
69.129.720
accession number
286472
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1764
ruler
Catherine the Great
ID Number
NU.NU70012
catalog number
NU70012
accession number
245705
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
Russia 1762Catherine II Coronation СПБObverse Inscription: Е.М.ЕКАТЕРИНА.II.ІМП.ІСАМОА.ВСЕ РОС / СПБ (Roughly "Her Majesty Catherine II Empress of All Russians / Saint Petersburg")Reverse Inscription: ЕКАТЕРИНА.II.
Description
Russia 1762
Catherine II Coronation СПБ
Obverse Inscription: Е.М.ЕКАТЕРИНА.II.ІМП.ІСАМОА.ВСЕ РОС / СПБ (Roughly "Her Majesty Catherine II Empress of All Russians / Saint Petersburg")
Reverse Inscription: ЕКАТЕРИНА.II. ИМПЕРАТРИУА ИСАМОАЕРЖИУА ВСЕ РОССІИСКАЯ КОРОНОВАНА ВБ МОСКВБ 1762.ГОАА (Roughly "Catherine II Emperess of all Russians Crowned in Moscow 1762")
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1762
associated person
Catherine the Great
ID Number
NU.NU77882
catalog number
NU77882
accession number
252180
This Russian cycling event token commemorates the Borisoglebsk cyclists. Borisoglebsk is a small town in western Russia in Voronezh Oblast.Obverse inscription: БОРИСОГОБВО ВЕЛОСИПЕДИСТОВ ("Borisoglebsk Cyclists").Reverse inscription: (None)Currently not on view
Description
This Russian cycling event token commemorates the Borisoglebsk cyclists. Borisoglebsk is a small town in western Russia in Voronezh Oblast.
Obverse inscription: БОРИСОГОБВО ВЕЛОСИПЕДИСТОВ ("Borisoglebsk Cyclists").
Reverse inscription: (None)
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
NU.68.263.1845
catalog number
68.263.1845
accession number
281689
This medal was awarded in 1888 by the Imperial Russian Technical Society for an exposition on lighting and naphtha production.
Description
This medal was awarded in 1888 by the Imperial Russian Technical Society for an exposition on lighting and naphtha production. Naphtha is a flammable liquid, with properties similar to gasoline, used as a crude oil in Russia.
Obverse Inscription: ВЪЫСТАВКА ПРЕДМЕТОВЪ ОСВЕЩЕНИЮ И НЕФТЯНОГО ПРОИЗВОДСТВА (Roughly "For exposition of lighting and naphtha production").
Reverse Inscription: ИМПЕРАТОРСКОЕ РУССКОЕ ТЕХНИЧЕСКОЕ ОБЩЕСТВО 1887-1888 ("Imperial Russian Technical Society").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1888
ID Number
NU.68.263.975
catalog number
68.263.975
accession number
281689
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1726
ruler
Catherine I
ID Number
NU.NU62769
catalog number
NU62769
accession number
228217
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1725
ruler
Catherine the Great
Catherine I
ID Number
NU.NU62722
accession number
228217
catalog number
NU62722
This token honors Osip Komissarov, a Russian peasant credited with saving the life of Alexander II during an assassination attempt.
Description
This token honors Osip Komissarov, a Russian peasant credited with saving the life of Alexander II during an assassination attempt. Alexander II ruled Russia from 1855-1881 and was affectionately known as The Liberator because he emancipated the serfs.
Obverse inscription: ОСИПЪ ИВЗНОВИЧЪ КОМНСЗРОВЪ – КОСТРОМСКОЙ (“Osip Ivanovich Komissarvov – Kostroma”).
Reverse inscription: ВЪ ПАМЯТЬ 1866 – ВЪ ПАМЯТЬ ЧУДЕСНОГО СПАСЕНИЯ ГОСУДАРЯ ИМПЕРАТОРА АЛЕКСАНДРА ІІГО ВЪ 4Й ДЕНЬ АПРЕЛЯ 1866 (“In memory of 1866- the miraculous escape of emperor Alexander II, on the 4th day of April 1866”).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
ID Number
NU.68.263.1156
catalog number
68.263.1156
accession number
281689
This personal token is inscribed with the letters Y NAD MN.
Description
This personal token is inscribed with the letters Y NAD MN. Used as calling cards, tokens inscribed with a name would be left as a reminder of a visit.
Obverse inscription: У НАД М.Н.
Reverse inscription: Indistinct (may not be an inscription, possibly just reflection of punch marks on obverse).
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
NU.68.263.1615
catalog number
68.263.1615
accession number
281689
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
One (1) 6 ruble coin, Nicholas IRussia, 1840Obverse Image: N/AObverse Text: 4 ЗОЛ / 82 ДОЛ / ЧИСТОЙ УРАЛЬСКОИ ПЛАТИНЫ / 6 РУБЛЕЙ НА СЕРЕБРО / 1840 / С.П.Б.Reverse Image: Center the Russian coat-of-arms, a double-headed eagle wearing a shield with a mounted figure (Saint George),
Description (Brief)
One (1) 6 ruble coin, Nicholas I
Russia, 1840
Obverse Image: N/A
Obverse Text: 4 ЗОЛ / 82 ДОЛ / ЧИСТОЙ УРАЛЬСКОИ ПЛАТИНЫ / 6 РУБЛЕЙ НА СЕРЕБРО / 1840 / С.П.Б.
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: N/A
Description
Minted in Russia in 1840, this coin worth 6 rubles 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.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1840
ruler
Nicholas I Emperor of Russia
issuing authority
Nicholas I Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.69.128.79
catalog number
69.128.79
accession number
286473
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1701
ruler
Peter I
ID Number
NU.NU61317
catalog number
NU61317
accession number
210914
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
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1883
ruler
Alexander III Emperor of Russia
issuing authority
Alexander III Emperor of Russia
ID Number
2001.0009.0034
collector/donor number
535-111
accession number
2001.0009
catalog number
2001.0009.0034
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
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

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