Money museum reopens

"It's absolutely fascinating that the history of our country - who we are, where we came from and where we stand today - can also be traced through our currency. Coins and notes provide a tangible view of how a country has changed over the years and visitors now have the chance to see that," explains Absa Museum and Art curator, Dr Paul Bayliss.

The museum houses a rare collection of trading instruments, such as cowry shells, tokens, coins and bank notes that date back to the 1930s. While Absa inherited a number of collections when it was formed in 1991 through the merger of United, Volkskas, Allied and TrustBank, the bank has consistently added to these collections to preserve this part of the country's heritage.

The result is a collection of local numismatic items that includes highly specialised collectors' pieces such as a 1926 proof set of six South African coins (pennies and shillings) - one of only 16 sets originally minted and believed to be one of only four sets in existence today.

"Pieces like these make this a national heritage collection. They are part of our history and if they hadn't been preserved, these items would have been lost to international collectors. This, and other never-seen-before collections, are now on display at the new museum," says Dr Bayliss.

The museum also tracks the evolution of money and banking in South Africa from early trading instruments to modern day technological advancements. It is open Monday to Friday (8.30am to 4pm and access is free. A tour guide is provided for groups (maximum of 15 people).