The Centre for Coins, Culture and Religious History has several curated sets of historical material that are available for loan to schools, faith communities and community groups. Exhibition sets that are currently available include the following, and more sets will be created over time.
Download the catalog of available exhibitions as a PDF.
For more information please visit the CCCRH website or contact Dr Lewis at pelew3@gmail.com
Coins of Alexander the Great
A set of 14 coins that feature Alexander, 5 of which were minted prior to his death in 323 BCE. The coin at left was minted by Lysimachus in about 300 BCE, and shows Alexander with the Horn of Ammon.
Coins of the Roman Republic
A set of 30 coins from the Roman republic (500–27 BCE) illustrate the history of this interesting period.
Coins from the time of Jesus
A collection of 30 coins, including coins issued by Pontius Plate and Hrodf Antipas. The coin shown is a silver tetradrachm of Tiberius minted at Antioch around 28 CE. Some believe a similar coin was shown to Jesus at the Temple (Mark 12:15),
Cities visited by Saint Paul
Gallery | PPT
30 coins minted at the cities visited by Paul during his three missionary journeys as described in the Acts of the Apostles. The PPT file includes photos of the cities as well as the coins.
Ancient Egypt
This exhibition consists of coins from the Ptolemaic Kingdom (305–30 BCE), together with artefacts from the time of Pharaohs. The image at left is a bronze figure of Osiris from the Late Period (644–332 BCE), which ended with the conquests of Alexander the Great.
The Byzantine Empire
A set of 32 coins issued by Byzantine emperors are used to recount the history of Byzantium.
Icons
Gallery | Icons & Mosaics (RE unit)
A display of 15 Russian icons, mostly from the 19th century, to introduce art students to this different way of visualizing Christian subjects. This exhibition may also be of interest to Christians more generally.
The Middle Ages
A set of 30 items (mostly coins) provide an overview of the history of the Middle Ages in Europe. The bronze reliquary (left) dates from the twelfth century and was found in Britain.
Books of Liturgy
Manuscripts and printed books are used to illustrate the history of liturgy and to explain what liturgy means. The leaf shown is from a twelfth century hymnal. The emphasis is on what the major denominations have in common.
Books of Hours
Gallery | PPT | PDF
This exhibition of medieval Books of Hours offers an insight into the devotional practices of wealthy Christians, with the education to read and the finances to afford such a work of art. Each of the pages in the exhibition features detailed hand-crafted art and calligraphy, and invites us to reflect on the place of quietness in busy lives.
Venice: Its History in Coins
This set of coins minted in Venice tells the story of the important city.
(Still in preparation)
The Bible in English
Bible manuscripts and early printed Bibles tell the story of how the Bible came to be written in English. The leaf shown is from a small Bible made in Paris in 1250. The exhibition includes a page from the first edition of Erasmus’ Greek New Testament.
The Reformation
PPT
The exhibition includes (1) MSS before the printing press, including a papyrus fragment from the first century;(2) Devotional works and music texts; (3) Printed documents and other historical materials; (4) Coins, icons and other items.
The French Revolution
This exhibition tells the story of the French Revolution with coins, medallions and paper money.
Albert Schweitzer
Stamps, coins and medals illustrate the life of Albert Schweitzer, the famous medical missionary and Nobel Peace Prize recipient. The exhibits include letters hand-written by Schweitzer.
