A significant new addition to the Collections of the A. G. Leventis Gallery opened to the public on 10 January 2020.
The new Gold Collection comprises 605 gold coins and commemorative gold medals. Assembled by Anastasios G. Leventis between the early 1960s and 1976 while he was living in Paris, the Collection is presented in its entirety to the public for the first time.
The unique qualities of gold—its rarity, durability, brilliance, purity, and malleability—have long been associated with human and divine authority, as well as individual and collective wealth. Gold has also traditionally been regarded as a secure investment, particularly during times of economic uncertainty. As a dynamic and visionary businessman and a passionate collector, A. G. Leventis assembled this exceptional Collection, which includes many rare and remarkable examples of great interest to both collectors and scholars.
The Collection is divided into two main categories: (a) ancient, Byzantine, and medieval coins, and (b) modern and contemporary coins and medals dating from the 17th to the 20th century, originating from twenty-five countries across four continents—Europe, Africa, North and South America, and Asia (the Middle East). British coins, dating from the 17th to the 20th century, form the largest section of the Collection.
Gold, in the form of currency, provided the foundation for many of the coins that have shaped the history of world coinage, serving both as standards of value and as mediums of exchange. The Collection features coins from great empires renowned for their commercial reach, influence, and prestige, alongside coins distinguished by their exceptional iconography and commemorative issues that represent important milestones in the history of numismatics.
The permanent exhibition presents the Collection in its entirety, inviting visitors to discover and appreciate its historical and cultural significance. Through the use of new technologies, videos, and multimedia displays, visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of coins and the rich stories they tell.
