Minted in History: New exhibit at Money Museum

Have you ever wondered why our currency looks the way it does?

Now you can discover the history behind it in the Money Museum’s newest exhibit, “Images of Liberty: Commemoration and the Art of Currency.” Inspired by the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, the exhibit explores how currency designs have evolved to celebrate and commemorate the nation’s heritage.

“The exhibit features some really beautiful examples of historic currency which haven’t been on display before in the Museum,” said Elizabeth Hartzler, museum coordinator. “You can see the intersection of artistry, security, and storytelling and how they have changed over time.”

There are three cases in the exhibit:

• One looks broadly at imagery on banknotes including a statue of freedom, a pioneer family, pilgrims landing on the shores of America and the classic eagle and flag.
• The second case tracks the evolution of the two-dollar bill and the use of John Trumbull’s painting of the Declaration of Independence on its back to celebrate the Bicentennial in 1976. “There is a really cool $2 bill in this case if you look at the serial number, it’s J17761976A,” Hartzler added.
• The third case shows the Bicentennial coins: quarter, half dollar and dollar that were redesigned with images like the Liberty Bell juxtaposed with the moon, looking back at the nation’s past and forward to its space age achievements.

“I hope this exhibit is a chance for visitors to think about the imagery on currency, both now and in the past, and the stories they tell about American history as we approach the Semiquincentennial,” Hartzler said.

The United States Semiquincentennial, also called the Bisesquicentennial, the Sestercentennial or the Quarter Millenium, will be the External Link250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.

The exhibit will be up until the end of the year. External LinkClick here for more information about the Money Museum and the hours.