Coins, cash and counterfeiting! On March 27, 2011, the California Oil Museum in association with the American Numismatic Association’s Money Museum will premiere Money Makes the World Go Round, an exhibit exploring the art and history of money from colonial America to the modern world, as well as the crimes of currency including counterfeiting and the most infamous bank heists of all time! This exhibit runs through June 12, 2011.

The California Oil Museum is located at 1001 E. Main Street in Santa Paula. Admission is $4 Adults, $3 Seniors, $1 Students (6-17), and FREE for children 5 years and younger and for our Members. The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Opening reception will be 1-3pm on Sunday, March 27. Bring your own collectable coin to display for the day!

Did you know that the first money used in the early colonies was beads, furs and tobacco? North American settlers were forced to use whatever was available including money substitutes — anything of value that could be exchanged for goods and supplies. Many types of European and Mexican coins also circulated. This early American currency and much more will soon be on display at the California Oil Museum! See also how Ben Franklin impacted American numismatics – from the earliest security measures in the printing of colonial paper money to designing Continental coinage and currency for the newly established United States.

Money has become one of the most prolific artistic mediums in the world, capturing our most celebrated presidents and citizens in portraiture and allowing them to remain ever-present in our society. The most iconic representations of Abraham Lincoln have been rendered on coins and banknotes and these early portraits will be shown. In addition, the artists behind money design and their artistic process will be revealed as well as the shapes, colors and materials of current money used throughout the world from coins to credit cards!

The power of money is often more appealing than its design and has inspired many a crime. Our visitors will become skilled in detecting counterfeit money, and will get to know the most cunning and dangerous bank robbers in history! Join us in discovering how Money Makes the World Go Round!

Who: California Oil Museum

What: Money Makes the World Go Round

When: March 27 – June 12, 2011

Where: 1001 E. Main Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060

Why: To discover the art, history and power of money