The Numismatic Museum is one of the most important museums in Athens. Housing a massive collection, it has exhibits which include coins from Ancient Greece, the Byzantine era, medieval Europe, and the Ottoman Empire. More importantly, it has the coolest name ever. Numismatic. That easily ranks in my top five words of all time! Read on to find out more about this interesting museum.
Numismatic Museum of Athens
When I was putting together my list of museums in Athens, there was one name which stood out. The Numismatic Museum of Athens.
I can't really explain why the name sticks out so much, but it does. Say it a few times, and see for yourself. Numismatic. Numismatic. See what I mean?
It has a certain feel to it that I can't quite put my finger on. Anyway, enough of that. I had actually better write about the place now!
Visiting the Numismatic Museum Athens
The Numismatic Museum is based in a mansion called the Iliou Melathron. This was once the home of world famous archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, who made important finds in Mycenae and also discovered Troy.
The building can be found at 12 Panepistimiou Street in Athens, and the closest metro station is Syntagma. It is about a 10 minute walk from the station to the museum, and you could check out the changing of the guards along the way.
The building itself is quite fascinating both inside and out. It has been recently restored and renovated, and has detailed mosaic floors as well as decorative ceilings. There is also a curious theme which runs throughout the Iliou Melathron, and that is the use of a left facing swastika.
In the western world, we mainly associated the right facing swastika at an angle, with the Nazi party of pre-war and wartime Germany.
In effect though, they had hijacked a pre-existing symbol for their own purposes. The use of left and right facing swastika symbols stretches back to Neolithic times, and is believed to have originated in the Indus valley area.
Even today, it is a common symbol used by Buddhists and Hindus. The reason that Heinrich Schliemann incorporated its use in the design of the mansion, was because he found several motifs in Troy which included this symbol.
Inside the Numismatic Museum of Athens
The Numismatic Museum is laid out in a way that follows the history of coins, from ancient Athens and Greece through to the introduction of the Euro.
The collection is comprised of coins discovered in ‘hoards', private donations, and discoveries made at excavations. The coins are well displayed in side lit cases, which illuminate them perfectly, but do make it a pain to take photos.
When I visited the museum, there was an interesting exhibition sponsored by Alpha bank called – “Athenian Archaic Coinage: Mines, Metals and Coins”.
This was a very well put together exhibition, and runs until the end of October 2015. After this date, the exhibition will either be extended, or a new one will take its place.
There is a lot to take on board, and towards the end, I was a little ‘coined out'. This is not to say that it wasn't interesting though.
It helped to patch some holes in my knowledge of the ancient Greek world, such as how each city state produced and minted coins.
It was also very interesting to see that even in ancient times, issues such as inflation and fraud were major problems.
Final thoughts on the Numismatic Museum of Athens
If you are numismatist (check out the long word!), then you will love this place. Non-numismatists can expand their knowledge of Greek history, as well as some of the history of the Mediterranean area.
If you like bright shiny things, and money, then it will also appeal. In fact, anyone who is spending longer than 2 days in Athens should definitely include the Numismatic Museum on their sightseeing itinerary.
It is also a nice place to have a Greek frappe and a snack. The cafe is located in one of the ‘secret gardens' of Athens, and has a very relaxed feel to it. A welcome break from a city which at times can seem all concrete, noise and traffic!
If you have any questions about the Numismatic Museum of Athens, then just leave a comment below. For a full list of the museums in Athens take a look here – Museums in Athens.
Finally, take a look here for my ultimate guide to Athens.
Loren says
Do you recall if the museum offered any books or other publications about its collection or Athenian coins in general, perhaps in a small museum store, etc? I have seen a cover photo of a publication that seemed to be associated with the museum, but I have been on its website and could not find anything of the kind for sale……just wondering if you recall any such items………thanks.
Dave Briggs says
Hi Loren,
Sorry, I can’t recall if there were books on sale there or not, but I would imagine there would be. It might be worth giving them a call… someone there will speak English well enough to answer any questions 😉
Inma says
I know of a couple of people who would really enjoy having a look to this one. They LOVE collecting stamps and coins
Jennifer Ryder Joslin says
Although I wouldn’t consider myself a numismatist (not yet anyway!), this museum looks interesting! I love a good museum and had no clue Athens has so many! Thanks for the great info 🙂
Laura says
With so many museums in Athens I’m not sure this one would have made the list for me, but it’s cool to see the collection of coins from so far back.
Dave Briggs says
I would say that in order to get a good overview of the history of Greece from ancient through to modern times, it should be in the top 5 museums to visit in Athens.
TammyOnTheMove says
Looks like a great place to learn more about Greek history. The coin selection looks great. I love looking at such ancient finds.
Dave Briggs says
It is very interesting to see how each city state had their own coinage, and how they were spread around the Mediterranean area.
Veronika says
Hi! Thanks for the informative post. I usually go to museums only on rainly day, but this one in Athens seem interesting!
Dave Briggs says
In Athens, you should go to a museum during the hottest part of the day in July and August to get yourself out of 35-40 degree heat 😉
jen says
I missed this museum during my visit to Athens. I’m going to bookmark your list to make sure I don’t miss any during my next visit.
Dave Briggs says
Make sure you come for a month then… There are over 60 museums in Athens alone!
Mallory says
Man, my dad would absolutely love this place. He’s going to Greece soon, so thanks for the info!
megsy says
Oh wow! I’ve been to Athens a few times, but I’ve never been to this museum. Adding it to my ‘next time’ list for sure – I’m a massive museum nerd
Dave Briggs says
Here’s a complete list of museums in Athens for when you come back 😉 https://www.davestravelpages.com/museums-in-athens/
Carolann & Macrae - One Modern Couple says
This is a great find! Definitely looks like it’s a little oasis away from the city and a great way to learn more about Greek history!
Dave Briggs says
It certainly is… A nice place to visit, and somewhere nice and quite to have a frappe away from the traffic!
Anna says
I’m ashamed to say that I haven’t visited this museum yet! You see I’ve seen an abundance of coins in Attalos arcade (within the ancient Agora) so coins do not intrigue me! The reason I want to visit though is the building itself and of course the garden!
Dave Briggs says
The building is really outstanding, and the garden around the cafe is nice as well. I have to say, I am not a massive coin enthusiast either, so I doubt I will return soon!! lol