Unveiling the State Coin Collection in Munich Residence
Secret Hoard of Coins from Bavaria's Archive
For the first time, the State Coin Collection in the Munich Residence (Staatliche Münzsammlung München) is showcasing a selection from approximately three hundred thousand objects as part of the Bavarian State Exhibition. This extensive collection, spanning over a millennium of history, offers a unique glimpse into the economic, political, and cultural history of Bavaria and beyond.
Origins and Foundation
The State Coin Collection traces its origins to the early 16th century, when the ruling Wittelsbach dynasty began systematically collecting coins and medals. While the official foundation is often attributed to Duke Albert V of Bavaria (1550–1579), the collection was significantly expanded under successive rulers, reflecting Bavaria’s political and cultural ambitions. The collection was originally housed in the Munich Residence, the grand palace of the Wittelsbach kings and dukes, which still serves as its home today.
Growth and Notable Acquisitions
Over time, the collection grew to become one of the largest numismatic collections in the world, now holding over 300,000 objects. Highlights include Roman coins, rare gold coins minted by Emperor Licinius, and a comprehensive array of European coins, medals, and paper money from the Middle Ages to the modern era.
The Munich Residence as a Location
The Munich Residence, located in the Altstadt (Old Town), served as both the royal residence and the administrative center of Bavaria for centuries. The Residence’s Treasury and State Coin Collection were traditionally housed together, reflecting the close association between royal wealth, regalia, and coinage. The palace itself is a historic landmark, with ornate interiors and a rich collection of art and jewels alongside the numismatic treasures.
Special Exhibitions and Educational Role
While specific details on temporary exhibitions are not provided, the State Coin Collection is known for its educational outreach and public accessibility. It provides insight into the history of coinage from antiquity to the present. The collection is a resource for researchers and the public alike, helping to interpret the history of money and power.
Significance
The State Coin Collection is not just a monument to Bavarian regal heritage but also a significant academic resource. Its extensive holdings make it one of the premier places in Europe to study numismatics. The collection’s display within the Munich Residence underscores the historical role of coinage in symbolizing power, facilitating trade, and documenting artistic trends across centuries.
In addition to precious metals, the exhibit includes objects made of materials such as ivory, paper, and precious stones. The exhibit is adorned with gemstones based on ancient models, and one notable object is a book printed in only 100 copies about Spanish coins of the Middle Ages and antiquity, found in the library of the universal scholar Félicien de Saulcy.
The exhibit, which is usually missing in Regensburg, is adorned with a faithful copy of an ancient decorative stone, the red bull. Another unique piece is the first coin, which is a real piece of jewelry struck from electron, a gold-silver alloy, in the middle of the 7th century.
The exhibit, open daily except Monday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., includes objects acquired by notable figures such as Philipp Heinrich Müller, who set Max Emanuel’s head with flowing locks into the round of the sun in 1715, and Ludwig I, who acquired an exhibit in Rome in 1814. However, the exhibit lacks a clear concept, according to the experts in the house.
Max Emanuel of Bavaria (1662-1726) is depicted on a gilded silver coin as the sun that rose again after his exile. A coin jug made of silver with 21 talers inside and out, the oldest of which is from 1486, is inlaid with a "donative medal" for foreign envoys, made in Königsberg around 1670.
The State Coin Collection has been incorporated into the Residence since 1963 and remains an integral part of its history and culture. Visitors to the Munich Residence can now experience a small fraction of this vast collection, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of numismatics and the history of money.
Discover how your lifestyle intertwines with history as you explore the home-and-garden setting of the State Coin Collection, located within the majestic Munich Residence. Each jewel-like coin and intricate medal serves as a testament to the opulent home-and-garden lifestyle of the Wittelsbach dynasty, offering an unprecedented insight into the past.
With a remarkable assembly of more than 300,000 objects, including Roman coins, precious stone-adorned books, and a replica of an ancient decorative stone, the State Coin Collection transforms the Munich Residence into a mesmerizing home-and-garden museum showcasing the timeless allure of the past.
