A World-Class Numismatic Treasure Trove is Moving to Toledo!
For nearly 170 years, one of the world's greatest collections of coins has resided in New York City.
It is a collection that spans human history, from the earliest electrum coins of ancient Lydia to the pocket change of the American colonies.
Now, in a historic announcement, that collection is packing up and moving to our backyard!
The American Numismatic Society (ANS) has announced that it will relocate its entire headquarters and its priceless collection of over 800,000 objects to Toledo, Ohio, in partnership with the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA). For the numismatic community here in Northwest Ohio, this is monumental news. It’s the equivalent of the Louvre deciding to move a wing of its art to Toledo.
The American Numismatic Society (ANS) has announced that it will relocate its entire headquarters and its priceless collection of over 800,000 objects to Toledo, Ohio, in partnership with the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA). For the numismatic community here in Northwest Ohio, this is monumental news. It’s the equivalent of the Louvre deciding to move a wing of its art to Toledo.
What is the American Numismatic Society?
Founded in 1858, the ANS is not just a club for collectors. It is a premier research institution dedicate to the study of coins, currency, and medals from all periods and cultures. Its collection is unparalleled in the United States, holding treasures that tell the story of civilization itself—economies rising and falling, emperors taking power, and nations declaring independence.
For decades, much of this incredible collection has been kept in vaults in Manhattan, largely unseen by the public due to space constraints. The move to Toledo is designed to change that.
Why Toledo?
The Society has acquired a dedicated four-story building on the campus of the Toledo Museum of Art. The plan is to create a state-of-the-art “money museum,” research library, and education center, finally giving these objects the public exhibition space they deserve. The move, scheduled to be completed in 2028, will integrate objects from the ANS collection into the permanent galleries of the Toledo Museum of Art, creating a powerful new dialogue between art and economic history.
A Peek Inside the Vaults
The photo accompanying the announcement gives a tantalizing glimpse of what is coming to Ohio. The image shows trays of ancient Roman coins from the final, turbulent days of the Roman Republic. Visible labels in the trays refer to key historical figures like Brutus—the man who led the assassination of Julius Caesar—and Octavian, the man who defeated him to become Rome’s first emperor, Augustus.
These are not just old pieces of metal; they are primary historical documents from a turning point in world history. And soon, they will be accessible to scholars, students, and collectors right here in Toledo.
What This Means for Local Collectors
The arrival of the ANS cements our region’s status as a new hub for numismatics. It brings world-class expertise, research resources, and breathtaking exhibits to our doorstep. For local collectors, from beginners to seasoned experts, this is an invitation to deepen your engagement with the hobby. Seeing a photograph of a rare coin is one thing; standing inches away from a coin that may have been held by a Roman legionary or an American founding father is an entirely different experience.
At Keywell Collectibles, we could not be more excited to welcome the ANS to Northwest Ohio. We look forward to the exhibitions and programs that will emerge from this fantastic partnership with the Toledo Museum of Art.
Inspired to Start Your Own Collection?
With world-class history arriving in our region, there has never been a better time to explore the world of coins. Whether you are interested in ancient Rome, early American history, or anything in between, we are here to help you get started.
Contact Keywell Collectibles today to begin building your own piece of history.
