Numismatic Museum

Overview

The Numismatic Museum houses one of the world's greatest coin collections — 600,000 objects spanning from antiquity to the modern era — in the Iliou Melathron, the spectacular mansion of Troy excavator Heinrich Schliemann.

Highlights

• Ancient Coins: Greek, Roman, and Byzantine coins including the earliest coins ever minted (7th century BC Lydia).
• Schliemann's Mansion: The building itself is extraordinary — Pompeian-style frescoes, mosaic floors, and inscriptions in ancient Greek.
• Garden Café: A peaceful café in the walled garden.

History

The collection began in 1829 as part of the National Museum. It moved to Schliemann's mansion in 1998. The house was built in 1878–1880 by the archaeologist who discovered Troy.

Visitor Tips

• Architecture Fans: Worth visiting for the house alone even if coins aren't your passion.
• Garden Café: One of Athens' most peaceful café spots, hidden from the busy avenue.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.