5 July , 2025
15.7 C
Stockholm

Economy Museum
– Sweden’s Story of Coins, Currency, and Commerce

HomeMuseums & Attractions in StockholmHistorical MuseumsEconomy Museum: Sweden’s Story in Coins
💡 Summary
Explore the Economy Museum in Stockholm—coins, currency, and Sweden’s evolving financial story from ancient trade to modern times.

Royal Coin Cabinet – Explore the evolution of currency and economic history

Located within the grounds of the Swedish History Museum, the Royal Coin Cabinet (Ekonomiska Museet – Kungliga Myntkabinettet) in Stockholm is Sweden’s national museum of economy and numismatics. Through a rich collection of coins, banknotes, medals, and artifacts, the museum explores how money shapes society—from antiquity to today’s digital transactions.

💸 A legacy of royal collecting

The museum traces its roots to 1572, when Chancellor Rasmus Ludvigsson began assembling a coin collection under King Johan III—part of a rivalry with Denmark over royal insignias. The collection expanded under King Gustav II Adolf during the Thirty Years’ War and later absorbed coins, medals, and archaeological finds into a central treasury of Swedish history.

💰 The World’s Heaviest Coin
In 1644, Sweden minted a copper plate coin weighing 19.7 kg—the 10 Daler SM—measuring over 60 cm wide. This behemoth was used during a silver shortage and remains on display at the museum, a fascinating symbol of economic ingenuity in Sweden’s past.

📜 The museum’s historical journey

  • 1769: Moved to the newly built Royal Palace.
  • 1786: Came under the Royal Academy of Letters, History, and Antiquities.
  • 1844–1845: Relocated to Ridderstolpe House, opening its first public exhibition.
  • 1975: Became an independent museum under the National Heritage Board.
  • 1998: Integrated into the National Historical Museums agency and officially named the Economy Museum.

🏛️ Educational and interactive exhibits

The museum’s modern exhibitions explore economic trends, financial literacy, and the role of money in shaping human behavior. Interactive displays, rare currencies, and guided tours help visitors of all ages understand complex economic topics in a clear, visual, and engaging way.

🧭 Nearby attractions

  • Swedish History Museum: Located in the same complex, showcasing Sweden’s history from the Stone Age to today.
  • Vasa Museum: A short ride away, home to the world-famous 17th-century warship.
  • Skansen: The world’s first open-air museum and zoo featuring Swedish heritage and wildlife.
  • Junibacken: A storybook experience for children, inspired by Astrid Lindgren’s beloved characters.

Whether you’re a coin collector, history lover, or curious traveler, the Royal Coin Cabinet offers a compelling look at how money shapes our world—and how Sweden helped shape the history of money.

Attraction Info

English Economy Museum - Royal Coin Cabinet

Swedish Ekonomiska museet – Kungliga Myntkabinettet

Address
📍Narvavägen 13-17
🗺️Östermalm, Stockholm
Contact
📞+446 (0)8 519 556 00
🌐ekonomiskamuseet.se/en/
✉️info@ekonomiskamuseet.se
Getting there
🚇T-Karlaplan, T-Östermalmstorg.
🚌67 (stop Historiska museet), 69/76 (stop Djurgårdsbron).
🚋7 (stop Djurgårdsbron)
🚶‍♂️Within city centre.
🅿️Street parking.
Other Info
ℹ️The Economy Museum, located in central Stockholm, showcases Sweden’s financial history from ancient coins to modern banking. A must-visit for those interested in currency, trade, and the evolution of money, it offers interactive exhibits and rare artifacts. Ideal for families and history buffs alike.

Attractions nearby

Places to stay in the area

Home Hotel Wellington
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Home Hotel Wellington

⭐ 3.0 | 📈 8.0 | 🏨 Hotel | 📍 Storgatan 6, Östermalm

Home Hotel Wellington offers free Wi-Fi, car hire, and parking. Enjoy convenient amenities like room service, and relax in designated smoking areas. Unique room designs and a lively bar enhance your stay. Savor on-site dining and a tasty breakfast before visiting the sauna for ultimate relaxation.

Unique Hotel Jungfrugatan
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Unique Hotel Jungfrugatan

⭐ 4.0 | 📈 8.4 | 🏨 Hotel | 📍 Jungfrugatan 7A, Östermalm

Unique Hotel Jungfrugatan ensures a comfortable stay with free Wi-Fi, parking, express check-in/out, and luggage storage. Smoke-free rooms offer relaxation with features like air conditioning, blackout curtains, and entertainment options. Enjoy convenient in-room amenities and start your day with a delicious breakfast on-site.

Best Western Hotel Karlaplan
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Best Western Hotel Karlaplan

⭐ 4.0 | 📈 8.0 | 🏨 Hotel | 📍 Skeppargatan 82, Östermalm

Best Western Hotel Karlaplan offers free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and a convenient cafe. Stay entertained with TV and access to vending machines. Enjoy relaxed dining and a smoke-free atmosphere. Benefit from concierge services and taxi availability for easy exploration of Stockholm.

Hotel Diplomat Stockholm
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Hotel Diplomat Stockholm

⭐ 5.0 | 📈 8.9 | 🏨 Hotel | 📍 Strandvägen 7c, Östermalm

Hotel Diplomat Stockholm offers free Wi-Fi and parking with concierge services. Enjoy ticket booking, laundry, and room service. Relax in cozy rooms with minibars and cable TV. Delight in breakfast and dining, plus a bar for entertainment. Pamper yourself with massages and exercise facilities.

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