Coins and medals

Coins and medals

The tiniest objects can have the biggest stories.


The RCP Museum holds a collection of around 100 medals and coins, ranging from touch pieces used for warding off disease to satirical buttons poking fun at royalty and military medals awarded to doctors serving in the British Armed Forces. Our large collection of award medals show us what – and who – physicians and the medical profession have considered important over the last 150 years, with significant individuals being represented both on the medals and in the dedications of whom they were awarded to. Covering all aspects of a physicians practice from medical school through to retirement, these items provide us with a different way of understanding the experience of physicians, and show us how the medal as an art-form has developed and changed over time.

To find out more, visit our permanent ‘Medical Medals’ display in the Thomas Cotton room on the lower ground floor of the RCP building, explore the archive and museum catalogue or make a research appointment to view items not on display.