The history of banknotes on display at Casa Bruschi: from the origins

The history of banknotes on display at Casa Bruschi

Casa Museo dell'Antiquariato Ivan Bruschi in Arezzo presents an exhibition dedicated to the history of banknotes in Italy, curated by Franca Maria Vanni for the Numismatic Section of the Ivan Bruschi Foundation. The show, set on the museum's second floor, traces paper currency from the late 18th century up to the introduction of the euro.

Approximately 370 items have been selected from the extensive Intesa Sanpaolo collection, which comprises more than 9,000 pieces on loan to the Foundation. The exhibition offers both historical overview and technical-artistic insights into Italian banknote issues.

What to see

• Main section: the development of paper money in Italy, from the earliest issues to the last Bank of Italy notes before the euro.
• Watermark section: explanations and displays detailing watermark production methods, long used to deter counterfeiting.
• Printing houses section: information on the firms that printed banknotes for various banks operating across the peninsula prior to the 1876 centralization.

One gallery focuses specifically on the history of the Bank of Italy issues, beginning in 1896 when notes bearing that name entered circulation.

Why visit

The exhibition combines historical importance with numismatic interest: besides documenting technical and iconographic changes in paper money, it sheds light on lesser-known aspects of Italy's economic history. The curated selection highlights also the artistic and symbolic features of banknote design.

The show is organised in collaboration with Intesa Sanpaolo and the Ivan Bruschi Foundation, reaffirming their commitment to preserving and promoting numismatic heritage.