The Macedonian king Alexander the Great is considered to this day to be a great general and conqueror. At the head of his army, he invaded the Persian Empire, the largest and most powerful of its time, which stretched from the eastern coast of the Mediterranean to the Indian subcontinent.

Spain's colonial empire spanned vast parts of Central and South America. These lands, rich in gold and silver, were an important resource for the kings of Spain. The Spanish established mints in their American colonies to produce coins from the precious metals extracted in the New World. The oldest mint on the American continent is the Mexican Mint, which was set up in 1535. Twice a year, the famous silver fleet sailed from the New World back to Spain fully laden with treasures.

In the Middle Ages, the Republic of Venice was a significant trading and naval power. Venice was the capital of a far-flung territory. The areas under the control of the lagoon city included a thin strip on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, parts of modern Greece, Crete and other islands in the Aegean.

The Counterfeit Money Unit's task is to examine and store counterfeit money of any currency which is seized in Germany or confiscated by the police. We also check the authenticity of payment cards, securities, traveller's cheques and gold and silver coins which are legal tender. Another focal point of our work is to prevent the circulation of counterfeit money.

Special exhibition at the Money Museum curated by the Numismatic Collection, open from 30 June 2021 to 29 May 2022

Changing jobs in the midst of a pandemic is challenging, especially if the new post is abroad. Jens Reich, Marie-Therese Gold, Michael Schardt and Alexander Lieber now work for the Bundesbank overseas. 

From 29 October 2025, the Money Museum will be offering a unique, collaborative play and spatial experience on the theme of money with its special exhibition ‘My Money & Me’. More information about the content and registration can be found here.

“Further reform of the debt brake is right and necessary. In its current form, it cannot safeguard sound government finances or the EU rules,” said Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel in an interview with “Der Spiegel”. Topics covered included the Bundesbank’s current proposal for a reform of the debt brake, the digital euro and Germany’s economic growth.

Here you will find an overview of the publications relating to the coin and banknote collection.

Erleben Sie das Geldmuseum digital – mit dem interaktiven 3D-Rundgang. Bewegen Sie sich online durch alle Räume und entdecken spannende Exponate mit Hintergrundinfos und hochauflösenden Bildern.