A new numismatic exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History opens June 12 in a new first floor gallery.
Sponsored by Numismatic Guaranty Corp., Numismatic Conservation Services and Monaco Rare Coins, “Stories on Money” demonstrates the interplay among people, money and history, from the earliest times to the present day.
The main section shows what money looked like in Colonial America and at pivotal times, including the Gold Rush, Great Depression and in the current era.
Visitors can compare coin designs of the 19th century to those produced during the renaissance of American coinage in the early 20th century.
A section called, “The Power of Liberty,” presents an array of coins from the United States and the world depicting Liberty, the feminine personification of freedom; coins with real and mythological women are also featured.
“American currency is a reflection and a record of our history,” said Brent D. Glass, director of the museum.
“‘Stories on Money’ is an especially fitting exhibition since it illustrates the close interplay between coins as objects and the personal history of their use,” said Mark Salzberg, chairman of NGC and NCS.
“The ‘Stories on Money’ exhibition explores the importance of our country’s sovereignty, heritage and financial independence,” said Adam Crum, president of Monaco Rare Coins.
The exhibition draws from the museum’s National Numismatic Collection, which consists of more than 1.5 million objects, including coins, medals and paper currency. It uses objects and interactive media to immerse visitors in these stories.
