Frankfurt is known at home and abroad as the city of money. This has less to do with numismatics than with the fact that many banks have their headquarters here, including the Deutsche Bundesbank and the European Central Bank. This has the advantage, however, that Frankfurt is home to one of the most important money museums in Germany. The Deutsche Bundesbank opened a brand-new museum here in 2016 to showcase its unique collection.

But let us not forget that a century ago, Frankfurt used to be the centre of the German coin trade! Only one auction house still existing today – Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. – can look back on this past, which dates back to the 19th century. This is due to the darkest chapter in German history: The Jewish owners of auction houses such as Leo & Leo Hamburger, Adolph Hess or Adolph E. Cahn were driven abroad or murdered by the Nazis.

Today there is an active Jewish community in Frankfurt again, but unfortunately it no longer plays a major role in the coin trade. Nevertheless, there is a wide range of interesting shops if you are looking for new pieces for your collection.

The Institute of Archaeological Sciences in Frankfurt also offers training in ancient numismatics. Which is another reason why you should save the date for your next visit to Frankfurt: the International Numismatic Congress will be held here from 12 to 17 September 2027.