Participation in the exhibition “Monetary History”

The Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection is participating in the exhibition “Monetary History. The Banks narrate through their collections. The role of the Numismatic Museum” with 40 selected coins.

The coins are divided into 4 sections:

• The emergence and development of currency in antiquity
• Masterpieces and rare coins of the Collection
• Currency at the edge of the ancient world
• From antiquity to today

Theme and aim

The exhibition showcases coins and other pieces regarded as milestones in the historical course of the Numismatic Museum, as well as the banks holding numismatic collections.

Through the exhibits, the exhibition aims to highlight aspects of Greece’s numismatic and economic history in a seamless manner.

It’s the first time the Numismatic Museum has invited banks with numismatic collections to present objects from their collections, and narrate their collections’ history, as well as their own as organisations.

The opening

The exhibition opened on 06.11.2024. The opening event featured a discussion titled “...After money” focusing on the future of money and the new era shaped by its intangible, digital forms.

The Bank of Greece Governor, Yiannis Stournaras, and systemic bank executives participated in the discussion, while journalist Lefteris Papadimas was the moderator. The Greek Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kostis Chatzidakis, also attended the event.

Presentations and guided tours during the opening

Those present at the opening had the chance to attend presentations and tours by the heads of the banks’ numismatic collections and the curators of the Numismatic Museum.

Representing Alpha Bank, numismatist and curator of the Numismatic Collection, Dr Dimitra Tsangari, talked about the:

• Milestones in the history of the Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection
• Historical and artistic significance of the 40 coins selected for the exhibition

Side events

As the concept of money is central to the exhibition, events on the history and future of money will continue to take place throughout its duration.

A prestigious numismatic collection

The Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection includes 11,000 coins from across the ancient world, and 2,000 coins and banknotes of the modern Greek state.

Its main objectives are:

• Protecting and repatriating Greece's cultural heritage
• Piecing back together the numismatic history of modern Greece

It’s one of the richest private coin collections worldwide, holding a prominent position in the numismatic, scientific, and educational fields in Greece.

Long-standing collaboration with the Numismatic Museum

In the 1960s, the Numismatic Museum played a key role in showcasing the significance of the Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection. The strong relationship between the Museum’s Director for 30 years, esteemed numismatist Manto Economidou, and Alpha Bank’s Director and ancient coin collector, Yiannis Kostopoulos, was decisive.

This relationship of mutual respect continued with all subsequent directors, resulting in a long-standing smooth and multifaceted collaboration between the 2 organisations.