Collection of Coins and Medals

The collection of coins and medals in the Kroměříž Archiepiscopal Chateau consists of 10,385 items. The collection is dominated by gold and silver mintage issued mostly by the clergy – popes, archbishops, bishops, abbots, religious orders, etc. There is a specific group of small metal souvenirs from various places of pilgrimage in the total of 660 pieces. The items in the collection come from the early Middle Ages to the first decade of the 20th century.

The beginnings of the collection date back to the middle of 19th century when Olomouc Archbishop Friedrich von Fürstenberg set aside sufficient funds for the acquisition of selected coins and medals and determined a clear acquisition strategy. Among the most valuable items are coins and medals from different European Archbishoprics and Bishoprics and these make up the majority of the collection (about 4,500 pieces).

Of fundamental import for the Czech area is the collection of 1,207 items from the department of mintages of Olomouc bishops that offers an almost complete overview of the minting of these Moravian clergy princes.