A century collection
Lecture by Klaus Vondrovec, Director of the Coin Cabinet
(in German language)

There is little archaeological or written evidence of the ancient Orient, which is why coins are often the most important source. The imprinted images provide an insight into unknown ruling dynasties and foreign worlds of gods. The Kunsthistorisches Museum has succeeded in acquiring a unique coin collection, which - despite the small size of the objects - contains spectacular pieces from the Kushan (ca. 1st-4th century AD) or the Sasanids (3rd-7th century AD), called ‘Persians’ by the Romans. Embark on a fascinating numismatic journey through the ancient Orient, which has reached its destination in the Coin Cabinet of the KHM thanks to numerous donors and sponsors.