Exonumia, Posted on June 18, 2026

What in the world is exonumia?

Can you catch it?

Well, you might be susceptible if you already have a coin collection.

Exonumia refers to items such as tokens, political badges, commemorative medals, medallions and scrip. What they have in common is that they look like coins, but are not actually money.

The term was invented in 1960 by Russell Rulau, an authority on tokens.

The Scott Family Collection has quite a few examples of exonumia on display in the gallery.

Perhaps the most beautiful one is a medal awarded to W. Kerr Scott at his college graduation from what is now NC State University. This was back in 1917.

The medal pictured here was awarded for Best Oration. This makes sense in a foreshadowing sort of way. Kerr went on to be elected to public office and served North Carolina as Commissioner of Agriculture, Governor, and U. S. Senator. Kerr was well known for his energy and his ability to talk comfortably with all sorts of people.