Network

MONEY & MEDALS

Chelmsford Museum

Contact details: Nick Wickenden

Tel: 01245 606301

Email: nick.wickenden@chelmsford.gov.uk

Date of visit: 11 September 2012

Nature and extent of collection

All numbers below are estimated

Greek coins: c.20 (copies?)

Iron Age coins: 88, includes several metal detected gold celtic coin hoards found locally

Roman (including provincial) coins: 2,380 – mainly local excavated coin lists from Roman Chelmsford, Witham, Chignall St James and Billericay

British coins: Very good type series on display  (very thin up to Norman conquest)

British tokens: Near complete 17th and 18th century Essex Tokens including Chainey Collection from Chingford Local History Society

European and world modern coins: Largely loose change from old holidays abroad, donated upon return

African coins: As above but includes cowries and manillas

Paper Money: Modern bank notes (largely ex holiday donations), some older German notes; 2  early 19th cent Chelmsford Bank pound notes, collection of local Essex bank cheques

Medals: Miscellaneous collection of over 220 commemorative medals

Paranumismatica: Growing collection of traders market tokens,  jetons, spade guineas, Essex related paranumismatica

Specific strengths:

- English type series

- Essex tokens

- Excavated Roman coinage

- Some good celtic gold hoards

Library: has a numismatic library, which is growing.

Databases

Database used: KE EMu

Proportion of collection on database: Probably 90%.

How much detail in database entries? Varies , fairly basic info– not generally inscriptions.

Are images incorporated?

Is the database accessible to the public? No.

Is the database publicly accessible online? What is the URL if so? N/a.

Display

Are there permanent numismatic displays? Yes

Is numismatic material incorporated into more general displays? Yes, Celtic and Roman hoards, and some medieval coins,  in archaeological displays.

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? By arrangement.

Is equipment (balances, magnifying glasses, etc.) provided? Limited availability – best to bring own.

Public engagement with numismatic collection

Is there a handling collection? Yes, English, 1837-1971.

Are numismatic collections used in Education sessions? School Loan available for 1837-1971.

Do numismatic collections feature in gallery talks, lectures? Not on their own, but Celtic Cunobelin feature in history of local Iron Age & Roman.

Are there other engagement activities based around numismatic collections?  Not recently.

ID and public enquiries

Does the museum offer a service for identifying objects and other public enquiries? We have access to the Essex Numismatic Society and Finds Liaison Officer who can do a more thorough job.

Curatorial knowledge

Is there any numismatic expertise in-house. If so, who, and in what areas?

Mark Curteis  – Iron Age and Roman.

Is there access to external expertise? If so, who and in what areas? Members of Essex Numismatic Society wide varied expertise in medieval hammered, Roman, paper money,  and very good general rest of world knowledge.  

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

Willingness there for Mark Curteis to help with Celtic and Roman. Mark has made point that FLO has not in past made best use of available local expertise.