MONEY & MEDALS
Barras Bridge
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 4PT
Tel: (0191) 222 6765
Fax: (0191) 261 7537
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.