Coins, Currency, and Medals - Overview The Museum possesses one
of the largest numismatic collections in the world. The
collections include over 1 million objects, comprising coins,
medals, decorations, and pieces of paper money. Among the many
great rarities here are some of the world’s oldest coins,
created 2,700 years ago. But the collection also includes the
latest innovations in electronic monetary exchange, as well as
beads, wampum, and other commodities once used as money. A
special strength lies in artifacts that illustrate the
development of money and medals in the United States. The
American section includes many rare and significant coins, such
as two of three known examples of the world's most valuable
coin, the 1933 double eagle $20 gold piece.