Shanghai Mint Museum brings century of coin artistry to London with landmark exhibition 'COINect'

For the first time, highlights from the Shanghai Mint Museum's prestigious collection of commemorative coins and medals are being showcased in London. The exhibition, titled COINect, is now open to the public from June 8 to 14, 2025 at the historic former Royal Mint Court, offering UK audiences a rare opportunity to explore over a century of Chinese cultural and artistic expression through coin design.

Medals depicting the grottoes with Buddhist deities. (Photo courtesy of the organizer)

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Bi Haibo, minister counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, said the two mints in Shanghai and London, both standing by the river, make this moment of China-UK cultural dialogue more vivid and tangible. He noted that each entry in a medal and coin design competition shown at the exhibition reflects the passionate creativity of young people from both countries, as well as their shared aspirations for a better world.

Bi Haibo delivers the opening speech. (Photo/Liu Yang)

The exhibit has over 100 sets of coins and medals from the Shanghai Mint Museum's collection on display, reflecting the institution's 105-year history. Spanning across themes like heritage, innovation, and cross-cultural dialogue, the displays include pieces inspired by cultural landmarks like the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors to modern achievements in aerospace and high-speed rail. Overall, the collection reflects more than a century of design evolution.

Visitors vote for the coin design competition. (Photo courtesy of the organizer)

"We are pleased to present highlights from the Shanghai Mint Museum outside of China for the first time," said Dr. Pearl Haoqing Wang, curator of COINect. "Rather than focusing solely on monetary value, this exhibition highlights coins and medals as commemorative artifacts and historical records that preserve collective memory and cultural values."

Professor Trevor Hoey, provost of Brunel University London, underscored the enduring influence of innovative design in his remarks at the event. He reflected on the legacy of coinage through history, stating that both ancient and modern examples demonstrate how thoughtful design can transcend time, lasting across centuries and generations.

Trevor Hoey delivers a speech at COINect. (Photo/Liu Yang)

According to the event introduction, some interactive elements are designed to enhance the visitor experience, including digital displays, hands-on design activities, and a public vote for the Our Water UK-China Youth Coin Design Competition, with the winning entry to be minted.

Representatives from China and the UK take part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the event. (Photo/Liu Yang)