From 1637 to 1868 the raw copper from Falun was refined in Avesta in the Garmakeriet where the final purification took place. After this refining the raw copper was malleable and could be used for also be used for making brass and bronze. The refined copper was used for making copper coins and all Swedens copper coins were minted in Avesta between 1644 and 1831. The period of greatness began when Markus Kock, a Flemish engineer, started building the Mint in 1642. The Copper Works at that time was already in full operation. At times during the 17th and 18th centuries, the Copper Works and the Mint were among the largest industrial plants in the world.
Among the objects of interest on display at the Coin Museum are two 2000 year old Roman silver coins as well as other coins from before 1000 that were minted in the Middle East. Furthermore the first coin minted in Sweden is on display, a silver coin from 995 when Olov Skötkonung, Swedens first Christian king, reigned. A superb collection of gold ducats minted from Swedish and Chinese gold are on display in a special showcase. The collection of copper coins includes the worlds largest coin, a 10 daler coin from 1644, a sheet of copper that measures 63x32 cm and weighs 19.7 kg! There are only seven other examples of this coin in existence, all of them in Sweden. In total more than 26,000 10 daler coins were minted in Avesta over a two year period.
Swedish Summary
Avesta myntmuseum ligger i Gamla Byn. Här visas den svenska mynthistorien från vikingatid till nutid. Se världens största mynt, 10-dalern från 1644, som väger 19,7 kg, samt Sveriges största samling av plåtmynt.
Bring your own pen. Ta med egen penna.