Spurious Money: Fakes, Counterfeits, Imitations, and Fantasy at Yale University Art Gallery

Discover the fascinating history of counterfeit and imitation currency in this engaging Gallery Talk with Benjamin D. R. Hellings, the Jackson-Tomasko Associate Curator of Numismatics. From ancient times to modern-day, coins and paper money have been faked, forged, and imitated for profit. This hands-on program explores examples from the Yale University Art Gallery’s extensive numismatic collection, highlighting historical methods of deception and the technological innovations developed to detect and prevent counterfeiting.

This interactive session takes place in the Bela Lyon Pratt Study Room for Numismatics, where attendees will handle select objects under careful supervision. Guests are required to follow art-handling and security procedures, including handwashing before and after the session, placing coats and bags in lockers, and keeping pockets empty. Participants must remain in the study room for the duration of the talk.

The program will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Attendees should meet by the central column in the Gallery lobby. Space is limited.

Yale University Art Gallery is located at 1111 Chapel Street, New Haven, Connecticut. For more details, visit artgallery.yale.edu.