Museo Numismatico in Havana is devoted to coins and the history of money. Its permanent display has 1,522 pieces, with a further 36,203 classified items in the collection. Look for gold coins, medals, decorations and tokens once used as currency in sugar mills, as well as Cuban banknotes tracing a chronology from the 19th century to the present. Bonds, lottery tickets, documents and detected forgeries add other angles on how money circulated and was recorded.
Coins and currency on display
Museo Numismatico is dedicated to numismatics, the study and collecting of coins and currency. The museum has 1,522 pieces on permanent display and another 36,203 classified items from different periods of Cuban history.
Among the collection’s highlights are 1,000 gold coins dated between 1860 and 1928. You can also follow the chronology of Cuban banknotes, from the 19th century to the present day, and see coins and banknotes from other parts of the world.
More than coins
The displays include medals and decorations, along with tokens that circulated as money in sugar mills. Bonds, lottery tickets and numismatic documents show other forms of financial record and exchange. Detected forgeries are also part of the collection.
Some display areas have limited lighting, which can make details harder to see. A small flashlight may help as you look closely at the objects. Staff are described as friendly and knowledgeable, so ask them about the pieces if you want more context.
FAQ
What can you see at Museo Numismatico?
The collection includes gold coins, Cuban and international banknotes, medals, decorations, sugar-mill tokens, bonds, lottery tickets, documents and detected forgeries.
Does the museum have Cuban banknotes?
Yes. A display follows Cuban banknotes from the 19th century to the present day.
How many items are in the collection?
The museum has 1,522 pieces on permanent display and a further 36,203 classified items.
