Coins are one of the major resources of national history of all the countries. We can draw out a picture from the study of coins on political, economic, social and religious aspect of the nation. It is designed always on the national interest and therefore every attention is given to portray in most compacted form of designs. Nepalese coins are also designed in same way and thus reflect many important facts of the past history.
Nepal has the documented history from Lichchhavi period onwards. Although we have first dated King Jayaverma from second century of Christian era, the coins could be traced with authenticity only from fifth century onwards. It was issued during the time of king Manadev. Since then the coins are minted uninterruptedly till today. They are the collection of our museum.
The museum was opened for the public in 16 December 1962 AD and was inaugurated by His Late Majesty the King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. The coins collected in this museum are arranged in historical order and exhibited accordingly. According to the decission of the department of archaeology dated 15 Sep 2022, the southern part of building of the national museum was handover to the NationalNumismatic Museum for collection and display of currency.
Nepali coins, based on archaeologi-cal source, plays an important role in identifying the history, culture, and civilization of prehistoric Nepal. In order to educate the Nepalese people about the prehistoric Nepal and currencies, late King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah, established National Numismatic museum at Hanumand- hoka palace on 16 Dec 1962 A.D. Then in 1993 A.D., this museum was moved to the newly built National Museum in Chhauni. Later in 2nd March 2021, based on Archaeology Department’s decision, the museum house on south side of the National Museum was handed over to National Numismatic Museum.