British Museum, London The British Museum Department of Coins and Medals has one of the world's finest collections, containing almost a million objects. The magnificent coin collection covers the history of coinage from its origins in the 7th century BC to the present day, and includes related material such as coin weights, tokens and toy money. The Department also holds the national collection of paper money, containing notes ranging from 14th century China to current issues from banks all over the world. Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge The Museum was founded by Richard, VII Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion (1745 - 1816), one of the most discerning collectors of his day. He bequeathed to the University of Cambridge his magnificent art collection, superb library, and £100,000 to provide a museum to house them. Designed by Basevi, the Fitzwilliam was opened in 1848. The State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia In 1764, Russian Empress Catherine the Great purchased a considerable collection of Western European Paintings, laying the foundation for the modern day Hermitage. Today, the Hermitage is one of the largest museums in the world. Smithsonian Institution's National Numismatic Collection The NNC is one of the largest numismatic collections in the world. Located in the National Museum of American History, the NNC includes approximately one million objects--more than 400,000 coins and some 550,000 pieces of paper money. The collection encompasses the entire history of money of the world. Rijksmuseum Het Koninklijk Penningkabinet, Netherlands The origins of the museum go back to the private collection assembled by Stadholder William IV in the 18th century. His descendant King William I founded the National Museum of Coins and Medals in 1816. He joined the remains of William IV's collection with the National Coin Cabinet that had been founded by Louis Bonaparte.

O'Connor Numismatic Rarities, LLC Post Office Box 638, New Lenox, Illinois 60451 USA Telephone (815) 462-9433   Facsimile (815) 462-9434 eMail jroc@rareassets.com