Ashland University prides itself on showcasing student success through various forms of education. One form of this education can be found on the sixth floor of the Archer Library. 

The Numismatic Center—commonly known as the historical coin collection—provides a wide variety of historical coins dating back centuries. 

David Maloney, the chief curator of the museum, said, “The mission of the Numismatics Center is to have people engage with history through coins and currency; our slogan is ‘get in touch with history’.” 

“Although coins at the surface may seem like corroded pieces of metal or old paper, they symbolize an entire life and an entire civilization in time,” said Maloney. 

Since the center’s existence in 1984, it has prided itself on giving people the opportunity to see and touch the past. 

“Coins that were minted in the time of Christ, or coins dated back to the rule of Caesar, even coins minted during the Middle Ages…can be found at the Numismatic Center,” said Maloney. 

The oldest coin in the museum’s collection dates back two thousand years to the time of Socrates, in ancient Athens. 

Maloney said it’s an ‘incredible’ opportunity to be able to document these pieces of history in Ashland, Ohio.  

Public hours for the center are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 3 p.m., Fridays from 3 to 5 p.m., or contact the center at [email protected].