Tucked deep within a forest of books, no pun intended, is a coin collection that overshadows that collection your grandfather has been showing you since you were a child.

The Leo and Laura Thomas Numismatic Center is on the 6th floor of the library and houses one of the greatest and largest coin collections in the country.

Since its creation in 1984, the center has been accumulating coins, currency and relevant reference books and other literature relating to the collection. A Mr. William Brien Jr. has donated hundreds of items to the Numismatic Center in previous decades including a large collection of historic Portuguese currency, Confederate currency and other historical currency.

Many other donors have given the center thousands of priceless coins and other currency since its creation.

Another collection that makes the center stand out is the extensive collection of original Roman coins that are over 2000 years old.

“Rarely do you see coins like this,” Cal Craig, co-director of the Numismatic Center, said, regarding the ancient coins housed in the center. The dozens of roman coins show the emperor at the time of the coin’s creation and are considered priceless.

“Obviously, there is tremendous educational value to the collection,” Craig said. “We’d really like to get people up here to check out the collection.”

The collection of Confederate currency and bonds is extremely unique and valuable. The Confederate and other Southern state notes are a must see for any history buff and are a window to the 1800’s when the dollars were pressed.

“This collection could very well be the greatest collection around,” Craig said. “Rarely do you see Confederate notes in such good condition.”

Craig said the coin doesn’t just appeal to history fans, but to plenty of other majors.

“Our counterfeit coin study definitely has appeal for criminal justice majors,” Craig said. “Our foreign currency should interest anyone interested in international studies.” The collection of foreign money ranges from European to African bills and even Canadian money.

“There’s also a large appeal to art majors to see the artwork on the currency,” Craig said. “Everyone should be able to find something they like here. The collection is very accessible to people who don’t know anything about coins and not just coin collectors.”

The value of the coin collection cannot be understated. Students who venture to the Numismatic Center will not be disappointed.

The director of the United States Mint once visited the Numismatic Center and was impressed by the collection and even donated several Galvano sculptures from the U.S. Mint.

“It’s kind of a big deal to have the Director of the Mint come here and visit,” Craig said. “The collection is fairly intense. It varies and spans such a tremendous amount of time.

The Center is open most Wednesdays and Fridays on regular class days from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or by appointment by contacting Bud Ingmand at 419-218-2230 or [email protected].