John Max Wulfing Coin Collection

The John Max Wulfing Collection at Washington University in Saint Louis comprises an outstanding assemblage of c. 16,000 ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine coins along with many other items that span the world’s monetary history.  John Max Wulfing (1857-1929) was a native St. Louisan and amateur scholar of ancient numismatics who actively participated in the rich intellectual life of his chosen field, Roman coinage. 

As a part of St. Louis’ rich numismatic heritage, the collection also seeks to document the region’s economic and cultural history even as it remains focused upon the ancient Mediterranean world. Since Wulfing bequeathed the Collection’s core holdings in 1929, it has continued to grow through both donations and acquisitions and it now ranks as one of the largest college or university collections in North America.  

Together with a small supporting (non-lending) research library, the collection serves as a critical repository of important numismatic material and related items that allow dedicated scholars and students to investigate the economy, culture, and history of the ancient Mediterranean world and far beyond.