Gabinete de Numismática

Gabinete de Numismática in Porto is the numismatic cabinet of the Museu do Porto, the city museum. It holds one of the most important numismatic collections in Portugal, made up of coins, banknotes, vouchers, monetary tokens and medals from many periods.

What is the Gabinete de Numismática?

It is a specialised part of Porto's municipal collections devoted to the history of money. Visitors find far more than coins: paper currency, tokens and medals show how economies, rulers and applied art changed across the centuries. The cabinet lies in the city centre, at about 41.149 N, 8.615 W, so a visit fits easily into a walk through historic Porto.

Where does the collection come from?

The collection began with the assets of the Allen Museum. Many coins and medals come from the medal collection assembled by João Francisco Allen (1781-1848), a well-known Porto merchant. In 1851 the Porto city council bought his holdings for the Municipal Museum. A private passion for collecting thus became a public asset and the foundation of the later museum holdings.

What can you see?

The collection is varied. Greek, Roman, Visigothic, Christian-kingdom, Arab and Portuguese coins are especially well represented. The best-known rare pieces include:

• the bracteate of Syracuse,
• the siliqua of Rechiarius,
• the escudo of Afonso V,
• the justo of John II.

Some of these objects are unique, which makes the cabinet appealing not only to collectors but also to anyone curious about the history of the Mediterranean and Iberian world.

Who is it for?

History lovers, numismatists and fans of smaller museums will enjoy it. Coins are excellent historical sources: they carry portraits of rulers, religious symbols, and traces of trade routes and political change. From ancient issues to Portuguese coinage of later centuries, the objects trace the long story of the region.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know numismatics? No. Basic historical curiosity is enough to appreciate the range of the collection.

Do the displays change? The museum has organised temporary exhibitions and accompanying programmes on the cabinet's treasures, so check the current offer on the Museu do Porto website before you go.

How long should I plan? A short visit of around an hour is usually enough if you focus on selected sections. Opening hours and ticket prices are best confirmed directly with the museum.

Is it a good stop in Porto? Yes, especially on a rainy day or as a complement to larger museums. The intimate scale lets you concentrate on details such as inscriptions, royal portraits and minting techniques, which are easy to miss in bigger, busier galleries. Bring curiosity and some time for close looking at small objects that carry a great deal of meaning.