Making coin lobby art in Saint Louis by DUOFAB

Art Made From 1248 International Coins

BEHIND THE SCENES

DESCRIPTION

The Exchange is a wall hanging artwork in the Hilton Saint Louis Downtown Arch hotel. It is made from an international coin collection mounted onto a large rusted panel. This piece was inspired by the orginal building’s grand beginnings as a national bank. There are 84 different world currencies represented, spanning six continents. This art piece conveys a warm welcome to travelers from near or far. Though travel and sharing our cultures, we create an environment to learn and grow. Let’s build a vibrant world by engaging in invigorating conversation in this city.

Fun Facts

-1248 coins are included in the artwork.

-84 countries are represented, spanning six continents.

-There are coins from two countries that no longer exists – The Soviet Union and Rhodesia.

-The oldest coin is from 1875 and was minted in Germany. This was 14 years before this building was originally built as a bank in 1889. It is located in the bottom row, directly in the center next to the second oldest coin from France, minted in 1899.

-A “Missouri State Sales Tax” coin can be found in the first column on the left, 10th coin from the top. These coins were minted between 1925-1940 and used for sale’s tax that was less than a cent when purchasing items.

-Two more unique U.S. coins are a Connecticut Turnpike Token and a Phillips Packing Co Factory B Vegetable Cannery Token from Cambridge, MD.

-There are eight varieties of metal; nickel, bronze, brass, copper, aluminum, stainless steel, iron and zinc. 16 coins are bimetal.