Specific strengths: Local trade and archaeology. Representative sample of a wide range of coins.

 

Library: Around 15-20 coin reference books with an emphasis on archaeology, trade tokens and Spink publications.

 

 

Databases

 

Database used: MODES for Windows – updating to MODES Complete.

 

Proportion of collection on database: Approximately 70-80%

 

How much detail in database entries? Good detail (descriptions etc). Diameter recorded but not weight or die axis.

 

Are images incorporated? No.

 

Is the database accessible to the public? Access is available in the History Centre.

 

Is the database publicly accessible online? What is the URL if so? Not yet, but a new website is being created for the Museum which will have a link to the database.

 

 

Display

 

Are there permanent numismatic displays? No.

 

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? No.

 

 

Access to the collection

 

Is there a study facility? Yes, both in the stores and in the main Museum.

 

Is equipment (balances, magnifying glasses, etc.) provided? Yes, magnifiers are available.

 

 

Public engagement with numismatic collection

 

Is there a handling collection? Yes, there is a schools collection and there are reminiscence collections (e.g. older British coins) as well.

 

Are numismatic collections used in Education sessions? Yes - the schools collection is used both in the Museum and on school visits.

 

Do numismatic collections feature in gallery talks, lectures? No.

 

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? Limited knowledge has been developed through collection management.

 

Is there access to external expertise? If so, who and in what areas? Yes, we sometimes send email enquiries to the British Museum.

 

If there is expertise in-house, is there a willingness/capacity to share that with other museums? Yes, we can share knowledge of local coins.