One of the three best numismatic museums in Europe with over 600,000 ancient coins; some so unique, that there may be only 1 in existence, and you will see it here. Over the three floors, you will come to study the coin, first created in Ancient Athens, the metallurgy, and through the metals used in coins, the secrets of ancient world trade and the original globalization. The expanse of trade between Greece, Europe, and Asia is mind boggling, and the details on the surface of the coins capture maps, animals, symbols, people, politicians, ancient city names and religious iconography - which all carry a meaning, like reading a book filled with secrets, hints, and archaeological details of the ancient past and the characters of the people. You also see nuances and differences between city states that do not have large distances between them, and yet, spiritually can be miles apart. You also learn to understand the denominations of coins into smaller values, which helps you also understand cost of living in those times, and the classification of society's strata.

The true wonder of this museum though is the architecture, a gem by Ziller who also built the Hotel Grande Bretagne at roughly the same time, and the two buildings which are across the street from each other are in a conversation of details for over 150 years now. The ironwork, the Hellenistic neoclassical and modernist features make the numismatic museum unique among other buildings of the period, and a perfect example of the wonder who was Ernst Ziller.

Finally, the most fascinating offering of this museum is learning about its original owner who commissioned the work from Ziller, none other than Heinrich Schliemann, the German businessman and amateur archaeologist who discovered Ancient Troy, Argos and Mycenae. A man who through his extensive reading of the Iliad and the Odyssey added over 600 years of history to the Greek Ancient world. The visitor walking through these walls, and experiencing Hienrich's personal collection, makes you feel closer to Homer and also to Hienrich... A treasure hunt which continues to this day.

Do not miss this! Especially, if you will also be visiting the Ancient Agora where actual trade was taking place with these very coins.