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Research | The Coin Study Room

The Coin RoomThe Coin Study Room

The Coin Study Room is located next to the Coin Gallery, on the first floor of the Barber Institute of Fine Arts. It was created in October 2005 for the study of ancient and medieval Numismatics with the support of The Henry Barber Trust, the Friends of the Barber Institute and MLA West Midlands. The Coin Study Room consists of a specialized library of over 2,000 volumes, state-of-the-art storage facilities for 16,000 coins and seals, and an electronic catalogue of the Barber Institute Coin Collection. The Coin Study Room is open to scholars and the general public from 10am to 1pm, and from 2.15pm to 4.45pm by appointment. Information on the schedule of available days can be obtained by ringing (0121 414 7332) or e-mailing coins@barber.org.uk.

The Coin Study Area Regulations

  • Applications for admission must be supported: either by an academic member of staff of the University of Birmingham or the International Numismatic Commission from genuine personal knowledge; or evidence of identification (passport, driving licence, etc.) and by a letter of recommendation based on personal knowledge and certifying that the recommended visitor is a fit and proper person to use the facilities and resources of the Coin Collection. Birmingham University Library Readers may use the library on production of their Reader’s Ticket.
  • Before using the resources of the Coin Study Room visitors must sign the Visitors Book.
  • Visitors must place all bags, cases, handbags and other luggage away from their desk, as instructed by the invigilator. Coats, etc, should be left in the Museum’s lobby or the Curator’s office on the ground floor, and not placed upon tables or seats.
  • Visitors must remain within the Coin Room unless escorted by a member of the Barber Institute’s staff.
  • It is general Barber Institute policy not to permit the use of personal stereo systems and mobile phones in the building. This rule applies to the Coin Study Room also.
  • Visitors examining coins or seals will be closely supervised at all times.
  • Closed circuit television with video recording is in use.
  • No more than one tray of coins or seals will be given to a visitor at one time.
  • Visitors must take good care not to damage or impair any object or book in the Coin Study Room.
  • Visitors wishing to compare their own coins or seals with those in the Barber Institute Coin Collection must obtain the consent of the Curator of the Coin Collection.
  • Personal photography is not permitted nor is the making of wax or other impressions (including rubbings) except at the discretion of the Curator. Any requests for consideration should be made in writing well in advance of a visit. High-resolution digital images of the Barber Institute coins and seals for publication or publicity purposes are available for purchase. Please address all enquiries to coins@barber.org.uk.
  • A visitor may not leave the Coin Study Room until the invigilator is satisfied that the tray/s examined by the visitor is/are in good order.
  • In the event of a fire or security alert visitors will be required to follow all instructions given by members of the Barber Institute security staff and the invigilator. This will normally involve immediate evacuation.
  • Infringement of the Regulations may, at the discretion of the Curator of the Coin Collection, result in exclusion from the Coin Study Room.