Museo Casa de la Moneda (Museum of the Royal Mint), Madrid

Located within a vast granite building, the Spanish mint and stamp factory houses a museum on its north side. Established in the 18th century by Carlos III's Director of the Mint, the museum provides a captivating journey through the history of currency, from ancient forms of trade involving salt, shells, and bracelets to the introduction of the euro. Spread across 17 rooms, the museum's collection boasts approximately 200,000 pieces. It was first opened to the public in 1867.

Coins take center stage in the exhibits, accompanied by maps and photographs that enhance the displays of Greek and Roman coins. Among the earliest on display are those featuring depictions of mythical gods. Notably, a Roman coin from 78 BC showcases a striking image of Cybele, the mother of the gods, resembling the famous sculpture in the Plaza de Cibeles. Alongside the Roman coins adorned with symbolic imagery, the museum also showcases Visigothic and Moorish coins. The early Moorish coins bear inscriptions in Latin, while the later ones feature Arabic script.

In addition to coins, the museum presents engravings used for currency notes, stamps, medals, and official documents. Visitors can explore the diverse aspects of monetary history through these fascinating artifacts.