THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN

50 Years of the Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection

03.05 - 23.07.2023

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of its world-famous Numismatic Collection, Alpha Bank organizes the major retrospective exhibition “THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN” at the Museum of the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation, Athens. The exhibition pays tribute to the memory of Yannis S. Costopoulos, whose inspiration and vision were the driving forces behind the creation and growth of the Alpha Bank Numismatic Collection.

150 rare coins in one exhibition accessible to all

From its collections of coins, one of the largest of its kind in the world, numbering nearly 11,000 coins from the ancient world, the Bank showcases in the Exhibition 150 selected coins, some of which are extremely rare, seeking to bring into focus “the other side of the coin” – the one that makes it a means of communication and dissemination of messages, transforming it into a “snapshot” of moments in history but also an exceptional work of art. The visitors to the exhibition will be able to see coins beyond their role of simple utilitarian objects, perceiving them as history books and works of art that are representative of the time when they were put into circulation.

It is also important to note that with the Exhibition, Alpha Bank sends an important message of inclusion, as –in line with its Social Responsibility strategy– it delivers on its commitment to equal access to culture for all. Thus, the exhibition “THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN” will be fully accessible to people with visual and mobility impairments and disabilities, constituting another major initiative of the Bank to raise public awareness of respect for diversity and the elimination of inequalities.

The Exhibits, the Timeline and the Educational Programs of the Numismatic Collection

In the exhibition area of the Museum of the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation, Athens, visitors will discover one by one the Collection’s coins, which depict mythical and historical figures, moments from Greek and Roman antiquity to the Byzantine era, as well as images from nature and from everyday life. The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue in Greek and English, with texts and photographs of all exhibits.

Moreover, in a specially configured room of the exhibition area, the Timeline of the Bank's Numismatic Collection will be presented, highlighting the major milestones in the Collection’s progress, using as evidence selected documents and photographs that have marked its evolution. At the same time, the Exhibition has an educational space for young visitors, where digital games related to the coins are presented, in tandem with the Numismatic Collection's educational programs in the form of a “museum suitcase”.