SPECIAL ADVISORY: In accordance with Yale University’s revised COVID-19 protocols, the Yale University Art Gallery is closed to the public until further notice. Learn More
Numismatics Room
The numismatic collection at the Gallery, at more than 120,000 objects, is by far the largest and most diverse held by any American university. The Bela Lyon Pratt Study Room for Numismatics is open by appointment to individuals or small groups.
About the Numismatics Room
The Pratt Study Room houses approximately 100,000 coins and medals and 20,000 pieces of paper currency. The full range of numismatics is represented, from the beginnings in the 7th century B.C. to modern times. Particular strengths are in the coinages of the Greek and Roman worlds, Byzantium, and medieval and early modern England.
In addition to the main collection, which has recently been augmented by a purchase of over 4,000 coins of the Greek world, the numismatics room houses Yale’s portion of the coins recovered at the excavation of Dura-Europos. The University’s collection dates back to the early 19th century but was only transferred to the Gallery in 2001. A systematic effort is underway to improve the collection and integrate it further into the Yale curriculum.
Make an Appointment
The Pratt Study Room is currently closed to visitors and classes due to COVID-19.
Please direct inquiries about collection resources and access to emily.pearce@yale.edu.
