Black Money Exhibit

                                   Auburn Avenue Research Center  l Cowrey shells - an early form of currency  l Brian Thompson, the first black note designer

The Black Money Exhibition was conceived by history and numismatic scholar Dr. Harcourt Fuller as an opportunity for audiences to explore the imagery and beauty of over 300 banknotes which visually document Africana histories, cultures, and lived experiences. Each banknote is a beautifully designed work of art that reflects the pride that the issuing country has in what is depicted. The currencies and related components originate from more than 80 countries and territories in Africa, Europe, and the Americas (including the continental United States) and illustrate 10,000 years of Black history and cultures. 

The Black Money Exhibition met the challenge of COVID restrictions by temporarily transitioning into a newsletter format and expanding into additional artistic forms of communication. This pivot allowed the BME team to supplement the rich historical knowledge covered in the exhibition with relevant numismatic information and current news.

As interest and inquiries continued to grow about traveling the Black Money Exhibition, we embarked on an aggressive journey to redesign exhibit components and expand the curriculum to meet new technological and academic benchmarks. 

While the team is concentrating on tweaking the exhibition and looking for significant funding partners we need the support of friends, family, numismatic enthusiasts, etc. to help BME keep a “place-holder” presence in the absence of a physical exhibit. 

                                                                       Newsletters Samples Below - Click to read more

Lady Liberty   l    Ventris Gibson-first black director of the US Mint   l    Mansa Musa The richest man in the world    l   Bessie Coleman quarter

                                                Mya Angelou quarter   l  The Negro League coins   l   Brian Thompson-first black banknote designer