Ancient coins are still the richest source of information passed down to us today from the period of antiquity. They have always been an excellent medium, especially in ancient times when other means of communication were less widespread. During the Renaissance, coins not only became a popular collector's item but also played an important role in the rediscovery of ancient cultures. The lives of the Roman emperors and their portraits were a particular focus of attention in this.

We have Renaissance antiquarians and coin collectors such as Enea Vico, Hubert Goltzius and others to thank for their pioneering treatises and publications on the subject. A presentation of the most important writings from this period reveals which ancient coins were known and what their significance to the collectors was. Against this background, the exhibition provides insight into the practice of creating and copying coins and medals in the style of antiquity at this time.

The exhibition presents the results of a three-year project funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research, "translatio nummorum - the appropriation of ancient culture by antiquarians during the Renaissance through the medium of coins".