Coins & medals

You can view nearly 2800 coins and medals in Collections Online.

There are approximately 5000 coins and medals with a maritime or Greenwich association in the National Maritime Museum’s collection. The collection owes its existence to a group of private medal collectors with an interest in naval history.

Henry VII half-angel coin. Repro ID E4916-1Apart from a small group of Roman coins, most of the collection dates from the 15th to the 20th century. The collection includes Orders and decorations from all over the world, British war and gallantry medals and art medals from Europe and North and South America.

Highlights include a medal by Michael Mercator showing the track of Drake’s circumnavigation, some of the German medals designed during the First World War by Karl Goetz and a Victoria Cross awarded to Captain William Peel (1824-58).

George Montagu, 9th Earl of Sandwich (1874-1962) presented his private collection to the Museum during the 1930s. It included foreign commemorative medals, Roman coins and a collection of French counters or jetons. He also produced a published catalogue that forms the basis of our online collection.

Most of the Museum's trade tokens came from the collection of H. H. Brindley. Other items were presented by Sir James Caird and Queen Mary. After the Second World War, the Museum concentrated on collecting war medals, gallantry medals and other awards.

Access to the collection

Researchers are welcome to study items but an appointment must be made in advance.

For further information:

Email: research@rmg.co.uk