Numismatic museums and exhibitions in Bulgaria

The BNB Museum Collection, the National Archaeological Museum, the National History Museum and the regional museums

BulgarianCoins editorial team 19 October 20263 min read

Historical coins 100 leva 1894, 5 leva 1884 and 10 stotinki 1881 – coins that can be seen in museum displays

The best way to learn what genuine rare coins look like is to see them in person. In Bulgaria there are several places where this is possible – some of them completely free.

The BNB Museum Collection, Sofia

Where: in the building of the Bulgarian National Bank, in the gallery above the banking hall.

What: across an area of about 300 sq m, the exhibition shows ancient and medieval coins found in the Bulgarian lands from the 5th century BC onwards. It also shows the coins issued by the BNB, the history of banknotes after 1885 and the bank’s role in producing money (BNB). It opened in its current form in 1999, for the bank’s 120th anniversary (BNB).

When: every Tuesday from 13:00 to 15:30. Groups – by prior booking, every working day. Entry is free.

This is a must for every collector of Bulgarian coins. See also Coins dedicated to the BNB.

National Archaeological Institute with Museum (NAIM-BAS), Sofia

Where: 2 Saborna Street, in the building of the 15th-century Buyuk Mosque.

What: the museum holds the richest numismatic collection in the country – over 300,000 coins (Wikipedia). Thracian treasures are displayed in the Treasury, and coins from various eras in the other halls. The museum also holds temporary exhibitions, which often include coin hoards.

When: May – October, daily 10:00–18:00; November – April, 10:00–17:00, closed on Mondays.

National History Museum, Sofia

Where: Boyana district, 16 Vitoshko Lale Street.

What: the “Numismatics and Sphragistics” collection includes coin hoards and individual coins from antiquity to the present, as well as measures and scales used by money-changers (National History Museum). A separate hall displays coins from the time of Tsar Ivan Asen II and Tsar Ivan Alexander, Byzantine coins and others (Visit Bulgaria).

The regional history museums

Almost every regional history museum has a numismatic department. The collections in Plovdiv, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Ruse, Shumen and Stara Zagora are especially rich. There you will see coins found in the region – Thracian, Roman, medieval. Check on the museum’s website whether the numismatic collection is on display.

Temporary exhibitions

Museums and the BNB organise temporary exhibitions devoted to anniversaries, hoards or themes. Follow the news – we publish information about important exhibitions.

Tips for your visit

Bring a loupe. The details of coins are small.
Take photos, if allowed. Photos are useful for comparison later.
Pay attention to weight and size. The labels often give them – a good lesson in recognising counterfeits.
Ask the curator. Museum numismatists are usually happy to answer questions.
Bring the children. See Collecting with children.