About Us

With around 60,000 objects, the numismatic collection of Upper Austria is one of the most important of its kind in Austria. Its history began immediately after the museum was founded in 1833. Early collecting activities were initially quite universal in nature. Generous bequests from private collections, along with numerous individual donations, formed the basis of the collection in the 19th century. In addition, the option of paying membership fees to the museum association in the form of donations (known as “Äquivalent”) contributed significantly to the growth of the collection. There was also great interest in coin finds from the area of Österreich ob der Enns. While roman coinage was initially the focus, medieval and modern finds soon became of interest as well.

Today, the collection is divided into two main areas – the “General Collection” and the Obderennsia Collection.
The General Collection is no longer being systematically expanded, but it reflects the passion for collecting in the 19th and early 20th centuries and forms an essential basis for exhibition projects and scientific work.
The Obderennsia Collection, on the other hand, is a special collection that is now the largest of its kind. It focuses on coins minted between the 12th century and 1780 in what is now Upper Austria. The collection also includes various forms of substitute money and emergency money. This collection is supplemented by medals, plaques, badges, and pins related to Upper Austria, Upper Austrian personalities and places. The coins found in Upper Austria—both individual finds and hoards—also form a separate, scientifically significant focus of the Obderennsia Collection.

More on the history of the collection:
B. Prokisch, Die numismatischen Sammlungen des Landes Oberösterreich, in: Compte rendu 67/2020, S. 46–61.
https://inc-cin.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/collections_prokisch.pdf