MONEY & MEDALS
Museum Street
Blackburn
BB1 7AJ
tel: +44 (0)1254 667130
website: www.blackburn.gov.uk
email: [email protected]
Contact details: Vinai Solanki
Date of visit: 23rd April 2013
Nature and extent of collection
8,000 pieces. The bulk of the collection came from one collector. The rest was collected by curatorial staff and through bequests.
All numbers below are estimated
Greek coins: 1,500
Roman coins: 2,000
British coins: 1,200
European coins: Fewer than 500
Asian coins: Fewer than 300
Modern and paper money: Fewer than 50
Medals: Fewer than 50
Specific strengths: Roman bronzes, silvers, Greek silver, British .
Library: Approximately 60 books including modern and older reference books with specific strengths in Roman and Greek numismatics plus pre-1930s material.
Databases
Database used: Modes
Proportion of collection on database: 50%
How much detail in database entries? Name, year, type, metal.
Are images incorporated? Not yet.
Is the database accessible to the public? No.
Is the database publicly accessible online? What is the URL if so? No.
Display
Are there permanent numismatic displays? Yes.
Is numismatic material incorporated into more general displays? Yes.
Is there a facility for temporary exhibitions? Yes.
Have there been numismatic exhibitions in the past? If so, what? Yes – The Twelve Caesars (Roman); Kings and Queens of Britain.
Access to the collection
Is there a study facility? No.
Is equipment (balances, magnifying glasses, etc.) provided? N/A
Public engagement with numismatic collection
Is there a handling collection? Yes.
Are numismatic collections used in Education sessions? No.
Do numismatic collections feature in gallery talks, lectures? Yes.
Are there other engagement activities based around numismatic collections? No.
ID and public enquiries
Does the museum offer a service for identifying objects and other public enquiries? Yes.
Curatorial knowledge
Is there any numismatic expertise in-house? If so, who, and in what areas? There is some curatorial expertise but no in-depth expertise.
Is there access to external expertise? If so, who and in what areas? No.
If there is expertise in-house, is there a willingness/capacity to share that with other museums? N/A