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 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
Russia 1783Catherine IIComm. Academy of ArtsObverse Inscription: ОКТЯБРЯ 21 1783 ГОДА ("October 21st, year 1783")No Reverse InscriptionCurrently not on view
Description
Russia 1783
Catherine II
Comm. Academy of Arts
Obverse Inscription: ОКТЯБРЯ 21 1783 ГОДА ("October 21st, year 1783")
No Reverse Inscription
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1783
ID Number
NU.NU77991.2
catalog number
NU77991.2
accession number
252180
collector/donor number
DU PONT 1377
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. 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 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
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 medalette was minted in Russia in 1889, to commemorate the erection of a church in Gatchina, in memory of the late Alexander II (1855-1881).
Description
This medalette was minted in Russia in 1889, to commemorate the erection of a church in Gatchina, in memory of the late Alexander II (1855-1881). It was minted during the reign of Nicholas II who ruled Russia from 1894-1917.
Obverse inscription: ХРАМЪ ВЪ ПАМЯТЬ / ИМПЕРАТОРА АЛЕКСАНДРА II ("Church in memory of / Emperor Alexander II"). Reverse inscription: НА ПАМЯТЬ ЗА ТРУДЫ И УСЕРДИЕ / ГАТЧИНА 1888-1889 ("In memory of work and diligence / Gatchina").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1889
ID Number
NU.68.263.974
catalog number
68.263.974
accession number
281689
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 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 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 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 jeton also known as a store card, was given to workers instead of salary. By forcing employees to spend their pay in the same places they worked—businesses profited.Currently not on view
Description
This jeton also known as a store card, was given to workers instead of salary. By forcing employees to spend their pay in the same places they worked—businesses profited.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1843
ID Number
NU.68.123.1629
catalog number
68.123.1629
accession number
68.123
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
Russia, Saint Petersburg, 1903Saint Petersburg 200th anniversaryObverse Inscription: 2e СТОЛБТІЕ ОСНОВАНІЯ Ct. ПЕТЕРБУРГА / 1703-1903 ("2nd Centenary of the founding of Saint Petersburg")No reverse inscriptionCurrently not on view
Description
Russia, Saint Petersburg, 1903
Saint Petersburg 200th anniversary
Obverse Inscription: 2e СТОЛБТІЕ ОСНОВАНІЯ Ct. ПЕТЕРБУРГА / 1703-1903 ("2nd Centenary of the founding of Saint Petersburg")
No reverse inscription
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1903
date made
ca 1903
minted during reign
Nicholas II Emperor of Russia
associated person
Peter I
ID Number
NU.69.127.90
catalog number
69.127.0090
accession number
286471

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