MONEY & MEDALS
Slatey Road
Birkenhead
CH43 4UE
tel: +44 (0)151 652 4177
website: williamsonartgallery.org
email: colinsimpson@wirral.gov.uk
Contact details: Colin Simpson; Karl Heatlie
Date of visit: 16 February2015
Nature and extent of collection
Around 1,250 pieces. Relatively small numismatic collection with an emphasis on British coins and tokens. We do not actively collect objects in this subject area although things of local interest are occasionally donated.
All numbers below are estimated
Greek coins: 2
Roman coins: 50
British coins: 600
British tokens: 250
European coins: 100
Asian coins: 50
Oceania: 100
Modern and paper money: Small quantity of Confederate dollars, probably fewer than 20
Medals (commemorative or military): Small number of medals, probably fewer than 20
Paranumismatica: Around 50 19th century ferry tokens
Other: Around 10-15 manilas, mostly brass, 1 silver
Specific strengths: Merseyside tokens & local commemoratives.
Library: Our library collection features some numismatic volumes including Seaby annual guides, some Spinks guides and other books removed from public library.
Databases
Database used: We currently use a card index system.
Proportion of collection on database: 99% of our objects are registered.
How much detail in database entries? N/A
Are images incorporated? N/A
Is the database accessible to the public? No.
Is the database publicly accessible online? No.
Display
Are there permanent numismatic displays? No.
Is numismatic material incorporated into more general displays? Not at present but there have been in the past.
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? No, but researchers could be accommodated if necessary.
Is equipment (balances, magnifying glasses, etc.) provided? N/A
Public engagement with numismatic collection
Is there a handling collection? Coins have been used in handling sessions in the past.
Are numismatic collections used in Education sessions? Not at present but they have been in the past.
Do numismatic collections feature in gallery talks, lectures? Not at present.
Are there other engagement activities based around numismatic collections? Not at present although there have been in the past, associated with our Viking life displays.
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? No.
Is there access to external expertise? If so, who and in what areas? N/A
If there is expertise in-house, is there a willingness/capacity to share that with other museums? N/A