World culture: Unique coins and medals on display at the State Hermitage Museum

On March 6th 2012 the State Hermitage Museum (St. Petersburg) launched an exhibit from the holdings of the State Hermitage Museum “Second life. Coins and medals in European applied art”.

The exhibition showcases some 80 pieces – coins and medals, which had ceased to be used in their intended capacity and became a source of inspiration for masters of applied art from various countries, eras and stylistic movements. The pieces on show span more than two thousand years.

These numismatic artifacts are presented in a new context and are an integral part of the decoration of examples of applied art. The tradition of using numismatic artifacts to make decorations began in Ancient Greece when plaques were made from coins. Beginning in the Renaissance in Italy ancient coins were used to decorate various silver vessels and chalices. As an example of silver items made by the masters of the 16th - 18th centuries from the collection of the Hermitage, one can trace the use of coins and medals in applied art.

A portion of this exhibit is dedicated to numismatic artifacts that were included in the work of Petersburg jewelers of 18th – 19th cc. The most recent items at this exhibition are numismatic exhibits which were made in the mid-20th century.