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Kunsthistorisches Museum

Head & Shoulders. Coins in Fashion

From 11 November 2025

The exhibition at the Coin Cabinet presents nearly two hundred coin portraits from a cultural-historical perspective and showcases fashion and lifestyle from over 2,400 years.

Download Press Kit

 

Three antique silver coins are displayed on aged parchment paper. One coin features a detailed portrait of a crowned monarch, while the others show various engravings. The background is softly lit, highlighting the coins' intricate designs and historical significance.
Press release

Head & Shoulders. Coins in Fashion

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Medal of Emperor Joseph II (reigned 1765–1790) with imperial crown

Medalist: Johann Martin Krafft (1738–1781)
1764
Medal, gold 
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Coin Cabinet, 
inv.-nr. 1964bβ

A gold medal features a profile of a regal figure wearing a crown and elaborate clothing. The inscription includes Latin words
Bologna: Giovanni II Bentivoglio (reigned 1463–1506)

Bologna, after 1494 
Double ducat, gold 
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Coin Cabinet, 
inv.-nr. 19045aα
 

A gold coin featuring a profile of a man with long hair, wearing a headpiece. The inscription around the edge reads
Medal depicting Maria de’ Medici (1575–1642),

Queen of France (since 1600)
Medalist: Guillaume Dupré (1576–1643)
1620
Medal, silver    
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Coin Cabinet, 
inv.-nr. 7326bβ

A silver coin featuring a profile of a woman wearing a elaborate headpiece and lace garments. She has a pearl necklace and is depicted with a dignified expression. The inscription around the edge identifies her as a queen. The background is smooth and unembellished.
Medal depicting Isabella Clara Eugenia of Spain

(1566–1633)
Medalist: Conrad Bloc (ca. 1545 – after 1602)
1599
Medal, Silver
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Coin Cabinet, inv.-nr. 2539bβ

A silver medallion featuring a profile of a woman adorned with elaborate ruffled attire and intricate hair styling. The inscription around the edge identifies her as Elizabeth. The artistry reflects the fashion and style from her era.
Iranian Huns: Nezak kings (from 484)

Afghanistan region, around 484–560 
Drachm, silver
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Coin Cabinet, 
inv.-nr. GR 45609
 

A silver coin featuring the profile of a regal figure adorned with a crown, intricate jewelry, and a decorative beard. The figure holds a rose in one hand, and the design includes a bull and detailed patterns, reflecting historical significance.
Württemberg-Öls: Sylvius II Friedrich (reigned 1672–1697)

Death thaler for Duchess Elisabeth Maria of Württemberg-Öls (1625–1686)
1686
Thaler, silver
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Coin Cabinet,
inv.-nr. 4041bα

The image depicts a historical coin featuring the profile of a woman, possibly from the region of Württemberg. She is adorned with intricate hairstyles and jewelry, surrounded by engraved text that identifies her as Elisabeth Maria, Duchess of Württemberg.
Transylvania: Gabriel Bethlen (reigned 1613–1629)

Nagybanya, 1627
3 ducats, gold
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Coin Cabinet, 
inv.-nr. 1684bα

A gold coin featuring a profile of a bearded man, dressed in ornate clothing. The inscription around the edge includes his title and name, suggesting a connection to royalty or leadership. The coin's surface is smooth with distinct details, emphasizing its historical significance.
Holy Roman Empire: Henry III

(reigned 1039–1056)
Dortmund, around 1046–1056 
Denarius, silver
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Coin Cabinet, 
inv.-nr. 169aα

A silver coin featuring an intricate depiction of a crowned figure with a beard and a unique facial expression. The surrounding inscription includes stylized lettering, adding to its historical significance. The design indicates this is likely an ancient or medieval currency piece.
Medal commemorating the marriage of Russian Crown Prince

Paul Petrovich (later Tsar Paul I, reigned 1796–1801) to Maria Feodorovna (Sophie Dorothee Auguste Luise, Duchess of Württemberg, 1759–1828)
Medalist: Johann Caspar Jaeger (1744–1808)
1776
Medal, gold
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Coin Cabinet, 
inv.-nr. 10551bβ

A circular gold medallion features the profiles of two historical figures. The figure on the left has curly hair and ornate attire, while the figure on the right has long, styled hair and a decorative garment. The background is smooth, emphasizing their facial details.
Medal of Joanna of Spain (1535–1573),

daughter of Emperor Charles V and Isabella of Portugal, wife of John of Portugal
Medalist: Jacopo Nizzola da Trezzo (1514/19–1589)
circa 1554
Medal, silver
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Coin Cabinet, 
inv.-nr. 7002bβ

A historical medal featuring a detailed relief portrait of a young woman with intricate clothing and a headdress. She gazes directly at the viewer, showcasing ornate jewelry and a collar. The inscription around the edge includes her name and titles, indicating her noble heritage.
Exhibition view

© KHM-Museumsverband, Photo Tom Ritter

The image shows a museum exhibit room with wooden display cases containing artifacts. The walls are painted in warm tones, and multiple lit cases showcase coins and historical items. A central display is featured, with a sign providing information about the exhibits. The space is well-organized and inviting.
Exhibiton view

© KHM-Museumsverband, Photo Tom Ritter

The image depicts an interior of a museum exhibit with two large informational panels in German and English. These panels focus on headwear and fashion history, surrounded by display cases containing artifacts. The walls are painted in rich colors, enhancing the atmosphere of the exhibition.
Exhibition view

© KHM-Museumsverband, Photo Tom Ritter

A wooden exhibition featuring two angels holding a laurel wreath atop a circular display. Surrounding displays show historical artifacts, including coins and descriptions related to the exhibit. The walls are painted in a deep red, enhancing the gallery's ambiance.
Exhibition view

© KHM-Museumsverband, Photo Tom Ritter

The image shows an exhibition space with displays for ancient artifacts. On the left, there are informative panels about historical coins and a cabinet of items. To the right, a digital screen lists exhibition details and topics related to
Exhibition view

© KHM-Museumsverband, Photo Tom Ritter

A display titled
Exhibition view

© KHM-Museumsverband, Photo Tom Ritter

A museum exhibit featuring two panels. The left panel displays a historical figure wearing a red hat, alongside German text discussing fashion in the Renaissance. The right panel showcases a round bronze medallion depicting a soldier. Below, a glass case contains coins and additional artifacts related to hats.
Exhibition view - Accompanying publication

© KHM-Museumsverband, Photo Tom Ritter

Two fashion magazines titled

Press contact

Mag. Dr. Wolfgang Lamprecht (external Head)
T +43 1 525 24 4021

Mag. Sarah Aistleitner
T +43 1 525 24 4025

Tanja Stigler
T +43 1 525 24 4019

presse@khm.at

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