Pounds,
Pence and Money Boxes
18 May - 1 November
10:00am – 5:00pm
This colourful exhibition includes 500 money boxes from the
Bank's historical collections. They range from the traditional
piggy banks and bank and building society money boxes, to brightly
coloured novelty boxes that will appeal to younger savers.
Among the objects on display will be an example of one of
the earliest coins in existence, Roman gold bars and 18th century
paper money, produced as the emphasis changed from coinage to
banknotes. Also on display will be some of the unusual artefacts
which have passed for currency around the world or represented
wealth or status. These include a copper alloy manilla (bracelet)
from Nigeria, feather money from the Solomon Islands, and copper
axe money from Mexico. In some cases these take the form of
beautiful art objects in their own right.
One
of the aims of the exhibition is to improve young people’s
understanding of money – what it is, why we need it and
why we trust its value. The exhibition also looks at why prices
change and, importantly, what happens to the value of money
when all, or most, prices rise too quickly. It explains that
the Bank’s job is to make sure that we can trust our money
and that it doesn’t lose its value.
Prizes
Children can bring along their own money boxes to show to the
Museum staff. If we can’t find a similar one in the exhibition,
they will receive a small prize.
To complement the exhibition there will be a series of special
events for children, including money box design competitions,
workshops on door hanger design and creative calligraphy.
Key Resources
