The Numismatic Museum of Athens is one of the lesser known museums of the city, yet one of the oldest, since it was founded in 1834, the same year as the National Archaeological Museum. It owns 500,000 artefacts – mostly coins as well as medals, gems, and weights - dated from the 14th century B.C. until today.

Since 1998, it has been housed in the Iliou Melathron (meaning Palace of Troy), an impressive two-storey building in the heart of Athens, on Panepistimiou Street. The building follows the neo-classical style incorporating elements of the Italian renaissance and was designed by the German architect Ernst Ziller - who also designed the Presidential Mansion - as the residence of the Schliemann family, in the late 1870s.

• Exhibition

Apart from its permanent exhibition, the museum is currently hosting - until December 31, 2010 - a temporary exhibition titled "Found underneath a tree root …" Ancient Greek Coin Hoards in the Athens Numismatic Museum.

The exhibition offers a glimpse into the importance of coins for historical researchers who seek to better understand political, military, social, and economic developments. But it also appeals to the non-specialist who may discover some intriguing stories behind some of the collection’s pieces.

See also Athens Plus (5.6.2010): Treasure hoards reveal ancient secrets at the Numismatic Museum of Athens (p.24)