Contact details: Andrew Parkin

Email: andrew.parkin@twmuseums.org.uk

 

Date of visit: 16 March 2011

 

Nature and extent of collection

 

All numbers below are estimated

 

Greek coins: c.100-400 (Brian Shefton Collection)

Roman (including provincial) coins: 100s-1000s

British coins: 12 Iron Age; c.100 Anglo-Saxon to James I

British tokens: Some

European coins: c.100-200 coins, mainly post-medieval

Paper Money: Some notes and bonds

Medals: A few modern, post-Industrial Revolution or later

Paranumismatica: Uncertain

 

Specific strengths: The collection is strong on Roman material, given its location close to Hadrian's Wall.

 

Library: 

 

Databases

Database used: Card catalogue, plans to digitise and incorporate into TWAM

 

Proportion of collection on database: N/A

 

How much detail in database entries? Card entries contain a lot of information

 

Are images incorporated? No

 

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, integrated within wider displays.

 

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? Hidden Treasures: Finding our Past.

 

 

Access to the collection

Is there a study facility? Through prior arrangement.

 

Is equipment (balances, magnifying glasses, etc.) provided? Unknown.

 

 

Public engagement with numismatic collection

 

Is there a handling collection? Yes

 

Are numismatic collections used in Education sessions? Yes

 

Do numismatic collections feature in gallery talks, lectures? Yes

 

Are there other engagement activities based around numismatic collections? Sessions with real coins are used with children as part of the Young Archaeologist’s Club a few times a year.

 

ID and public enquiries

 

Does the museum offer a service for identifying objects and other public enquiries? Yes through the

Finds Liaison Officer based at the museum.

 

Curatorial knowledge

 

Is there any numismatic expertise in-house. If so, who, and in what areas? Yes, the Finds Liaison Officer has expertise in Roman coins and general knowledge of other British material.

Is there access to external expertise? If so, who and in what areas? The FLO is supported by Finds Advisors for British material.

 

If there is expertise in-house, is there a willingness/capacity to share that with other museums? Unknown.