First Floor — Permanent Collection
Currency Gallery
Over 2,000 artifacts tracing the evolution of money across every civilization — from the earliest barter systems to the digital frontier.
About the Collection
The Story of Human Exchange
Money is more than currency — it is the record of human civilization itself. Every coin, note, and token in our collection tells a story of trade, trust, and transformation.
The Meyata Currency Gallery presents the world's most comprehensive survey of monetary history, organized across eight themed galleries spanning the full breadth of the first floor.
Featured Artifact
The Croeseid
Lydian Electrum Stater, c. 561–546 BCE
Among the rarest objects in our collection, this Lydian electrum stater — minted under King Croesus — is one of the world's first true coins. Its lion and bull design established the visual language of coinage that persists to this day.
On loan from a private collection. Displayed in Gallery 02.
The Eight Galleries
Explore the Collection
Before Money — The Age of Barter
Explore the world before coinage, when goods and services were exchanged directly. Discover the commodities — salt, grain, livestock, and cloth — that served as the earliest forms of value.
- —Mesopotamian clay tablets recording grain transactions
- —Cowrie shell currency from East Africa and China
- —Wampum belts of the Eastern Woodlands peoples
Ancient Coinage
The invention of coinage in Lydia around 600 BCE transformed commerce forever. This gallery presents over 400 coins from Greek city-states, the Roman Empire, Persian dynasties, and Han Dynasty China.
- —Lydian electrum staters — the world's first coins
- —Athenian silver tetradrachms (Owls)
- —Roman aureus and denarius collections
Medieval & Islamic Coinage
The medieval period saw the flourishing of Islamic gold dinars, Byzantine solidi, and European silver pennies. This gallery traces the monetary networks that connected the medieval world.
- —Abbasid gold dinars from the Islamic Golden Age
- —Byzantine solidi spanning six centuries
- —Venetian ducats and Florentine florins
The Rise of Paper Money
China's invention of paper money in the 7th century CE set the world on a new monetary path. Follow the journey from Tang Dynasty 'flying money' to the first European banknotes.
- —Tang Dynasty 'flying money' facsimiles
- —Song Dynasty jiaozi — the world's first printed banknotes
- —Early European banknotes from Sweden and England
Colonial & Revolutionary Currency
The age of exploration created new monetary systems across the globe. This gallery examines colonial currencies, Spanish pieces of eight, and the revolutionary currencies that funded new nations.
- —Spanish pieces of eight from the Manila Galleon trade
- —Continental currency of the American Revolution
- —Assignats of the French Revolution
The Gold Standard Era
For over a century, the world's major currencies were backed by gold. This gallery presents the coins, certificates, and artifacts of the gold standard — and the dramatic moment it ended.
- —U.S. Gold Certificates and Double Eagle coins
- —Bank of England gold sovereigns
- —Bretton Woods Conference documents (facsimile)
Modern Banknotes of the World
A stunning survey of 20th and 21st century banknotes from over 150 countries. Explore the artistry, security features, and cultural symbolism embedded in modern paper currency.
- —Complete sets from over 150 nations
- —Hyperinflation currencies — Zimbabwe and Weimar Germany
- —Polymer banknote technology showcase
Digital & Crypto Currency
The newest chapter in monetary history. From early digital payment systems to Bitcoin's genesis block, this gallery examines how money is being reinvented for the digital age.
- —Bitcoin genesis block display (January 3, 2009)
- —Early e-cash hardware and DigiCash artifacts
- —Central Bank Digital Currency prototypes
Plan Your Visit
Experience the Collection
Hours
Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm
Admission
Adults $22 · Seniors $16 · Students $14 · Children under 12 free
Guided Tours
Curator-led tours depart daily at 11 am and 2 pm. Audio guides available in four languages.