In the history of the world, only a few coinages have developed into international commercial currencies. In order to be accepted outside the territory where it was issued, a coin had to satisfy a number of conditions relating to its weight, alloy and value, and had to be familiar to many. From the end of the 12th century, the English sterling penny amply fulfilled these conditions; throughout north-western Europe it enjoyed a reputation as a strong and reliable currency.
Tag: money
The consumer price index
Although frequent subject in the news, the notions of purchasing power and inflation are not any easier to understand. In Room 14 of the Museum you can see how prices have changed for a selection of items (bread, meat, milk, beer and coal/oil) and, in parallel, the development of the average hourly wages of a worker, from 1860 until the present day. The table showing the evolution of prices is based on a principle similar to that used for the consumer price index (CPI) .
New 2-euro commemorative coin on display in the Museum
The newest Belgian 2-euro commemorative coin is dedicated to Louis Braille (1809 - 1852) and the 200th anniversary of his birthday.
Art or money. The world of Jacques Charlier.
Can art save the world? This is a question which already made many generations of artists, curators and spectators think deep. The question stayed in spite of all this attention unanswered, and maybe it is even better so. Ensor ou le sens des images makes however, as it seems, fun of this whole discussion. Is it possible that the specific view of the Liegois artist Jacques Charlier is to blame?
It is also summer holidays for your wallet!
As summer holidays are approaching loads of activities are possible: spending a few days by the seaside, making a trip abroad, taking time to renovate your house… At the Museum of the National Bank of Belgium, summer holidays mean free entrance for everybody during the months of July and August!
Museum Spring Day, 17 May 2009
The Museum of the National Bank of Belgium takes part in the 2009 edition of “Printemps des Musées”, the yearly museum day in the Walloon provinces and in Brussels. The theme of this year: “Colours!”
Magritte for a mere 500 francs
The 500 francs Magritte type, issued 16th April 1998, was the last new note of a series that started some 147 years ago. 1998 was also the first centenary of Magritte’s birthday. To commemorate this Belgian surrealist artist the Brussels Museum of Fine Arts organised an exhibition with no less than 335 pieces out of his vast body of work.
The Athenian drachma, a long tradition … from antique coin to euro
Greeks love their history and the introduction of the euro coins and notes offered them a perfect occasion to pass on this passion to the rest of Europe. With the owl and the olive branch on the national side of their 1 euro coin they underline their rich past, the historic importance of the Athenian city-state and last but not least the fact that Greece is the cradle of European coinage.
One of Julius Caesar’s last coins
There’s hardly any discussion amongst historians that Julius Caesar was a great statesman. He was also the first Roman who dared to depict himself on one of his coins. And even 20 centuries later his name is still on people’s lips and continues to appeal to one’s imagination. Who was this famous ruler?
The oldest Belgian paper money (1837-1850)
In 1830 Belgium was the most industrialised country on the continent. In the period 1830-1848 a very small number of banks financed the Belgian industrial revolution. Each of them had the right to issue paper money.
