Contact:
Kristin Aguilera, Deputy Director
Museum of American Finance
212-908-4695, kaguilera@moaf.org
New York, NY – On Wednesday, April 15, the Museum of American Finance will open “America in Circulation: A History of US Currency Featuring the Collection of Mark R. Shenkman.” Visitors will have the opportunity to view hundreds of beautiful and rare examples of American paper money and to explore them in more depth through large interactive touch screen displays.
From Colonial times, American money has told a fascinating and detailed story of the country’s struggles and successes. Pivotal moments in history have led to changes in the nation’s money, as crises have brought about innovation. Often local and national currencies competed and coexisted with each other, while economic depression, war and counterfeiting drove constant advances in design.
“Today, there are only seven notes in circulation. Yet most Americans don’t realize that both the banks and the government were issuing many different types of currency for most of our nation’s first 150 years,” said Museum President David Cowen. “The notes in this exhibit tell the story of the development of America, and their striking beauty makes them pieces of art in and of themselves.”
The exhibition will feature approximately 250 notes spanning from the Colonial era to the present day. Highlights include rare examples of currency bearing the signatures of signers of the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence; a complete set of notes from the Educational Series of 1896, renowned for being the most beautiful paper money in American history; and rare examples of high denomination notes including $5,000 and $10,000 bills.
“I am excited and honored to showcase my collection of American currency at the Museum of American Finance,” said Mark Shenkman. “Visitors of all ages will now be able to enjoy the beautiful engravings of hundreds of notes spanning three centuries, and to view and explore them as never before through an engaging use of technology.”
“America in Circulation” will be on view through March 2018 in the Museum’s money gallery. An online version of the exhibition will be available at www.moaf.org/exhibits.
Opening Event: Working members of the press are invited to attend a private reception to open “America in Circulation” on Wednesday, April 15, from 5:30-7:00 pm. Please contact Kristin Aguilera at kaguilera@moaf.org or 212-908-4695 to confirm your attendance.
About the Museum of American Finance
The Museum of American Finance is the nation’s only independent museum dedicated to preserving, exhibiting and teaching about American finance and financial history. With its extensive collection of financial documents and objects, its seminars and educational programming, its publication and oral history program, the Museum portrays the breadth and richness of American financial history, achievement and practices. The Museum is located at 48 Wall Street, on the corner of William Street, and is open Tues–Sat, 10 am – 4 pm. For more information, visit www.moaf.org or connect with the Museum on Facebook or Twitter.