Banknote Museum of the Ionian Bank

The Banknote Museum of the Ionian Bank, located at Heroes of Cypriot Struggle square (St. Spyridon square), is one of the most remarkable museums of its kind worldwide and unique in Greece for its rich banknote collection. The museum has been operating since 1981 and is housed on the first floor of a listed building where the Ionian Bank used to operate. This building was constructed based on the plans drawn up by the Corfiot architect Ioannis Chronis in 1846. It has also been declared a monument which deserves state care in accordance with Ministerial Decision No. 1967/21-8-1963 (Government Gazette 382/Β/29-8-1963). The exhibition showcases a wealth of archival material and items linked to the numismatic circulation in the modern Greek state. Taking as its starting point the revolutionary bond notes in piasters issued by the Provisional Government of Greece in 1822 and the Phoenix note issued by Ioannis Kapodistrias in 1831, the exhibition presents a 180-year numismatic history, namely the last Greek drachma banknotes which were replaced by the euro in 2002. Moreover, the exhibition showcases post- war banknotes used in different countries, as well as a Chinese banknote which dates back in 1300 A.D., one of the oldest banknotes worldwide. The exhibition also presents the banknote production process, including the manufacture of the watermark incorporated on the banknote, the procedure of the engraving of the model on the metal plates and the printing process. Also, the museum organizes the educational program entitled “Get to know the Greek banknotes”, while the museum’s second floor hosts periodical exhibitions, conferences and seminars.