Coins and Notes Provide a Passport to the World at the Money Museum
COLORADO SPRINGS – Grab a passport and take a virtual tour of the world and its money at a new exhibit opening Oct. 20 at the American Numismatic Association and the Money Museum, 818 N. Cascade Ave.
“The Money of the World Today!” features samples of coins and paper money from each of 192 countries on six continents – money used today by people living in third world and industrialized nations; in monarchies, democracies and dictatorships.
“Throughout history, ancient rulers, kingdoms and countries have used money to promote themselves, illustrate important events and develop a national unity,” said Money Museum Exhibits Curator Doug Mudd. “The money produced today is no different. In this exhibit, visitors will learn what symbols are important to people today.”
For example, coins and paper money in democracies tend to display images of scholars, historic figures, musicians or cultural icons, while dictators showcase their own images on coins and bills.
Fundamentalist Islamic countries often display ornate calligraphy representing religious images or, in the case of Iran, the face of the Ayatollah. In China, images of Mao Zedong are replacing citizens in ethnic costumes on paper money.
“We hope that visitors will use money as a prism through which they can look at and learn about our world,” Mudd said.
The exhibit is organized by continent, allowing viewers to compare the money of countries within a region. Each display includes information on currency, life expectancy, population, languages, size and history.
For $2, museum visitors can purchase a passport which will be stamped once certain questions are answered about each of the six continents represented in the exhibit. Questions include:
- • What Caribbean nation features revolutionary leader Lieutenant Suzanne “Sanite” Belair?
- • South American painter Joaquin Torres Garcia’s “Pintura Constructiva” is found on what nation’s paper money?
- • St. George is slaying what mythological beast on the Russian Kopek?
- • How many African nations show elephants on their money?
- • King Gyanendra rules what mountainous Asian kingdom?
“We surveyed our museum visitors a few years ago and they said they wanted to see the current money of the world,” said ANA Executive Director Christopher Cipoletti. “This exhibit will introduce Money Museum visitors to the wonders of money throughout the world.”
The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free; visitors may purchase a passport to Money of the World Today for $2.
The American Numismatic Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and encouraging people to study and collect money and related items. With nearly 33,000 members, the Association serves the collecting community and the general public with an interest in numismatics. The ANA helps all people discover and explore the world of money through its vast array of programs including its education and outreach, museum, library, publications, conventions and seminars.
For more information, visit us online at www.money.org or call 719-632-COIN or 1-800-367-9723.
Originally Release Date: October 11, 2005
ANA Contacts: Phone: 719-482-9864
Email: beeton@money.org