The State Hermitage Museum's latest exhibition showcases coins from the last 200 years which use their small, circular space to explore humanity and the environment.
Visitors to the museum's "Man and Nature" exhibition, which opened last Tuesday in the Hermitage's Coin (Numismatics) Gallery, can stroll across continents and centuries as they look at over 600 coins and medallions on display.
Many of the coins were made back in the days when engraved objects such as these were the common (and uncommon) person's best bet for catching a glimpse of exotic climes and lifestyles.
Besides examples of coins from all around the globe, there are also many classic examples of the Soviet Union's impressive penchant for honoring almost any anniversary with a commemorative piece of metal money. (SPP)