International Institute
of MetaNumismatics

About the InstituteFounded in London in 2025, the International Institute of MetaNumismatics (INIMEN) brings together numismatic scholars and digital innovation experts from universities, academic institutions, and research centers. The Institute functions as an advanced observatory dedicated to the critical analysis of the transformations shaping numismatics in the digital age. Rooted in the prestigious tradition of European numismatic studies, the Institute aims to study the potential offered by the most advanced technological tools in the fields of research, representation, preservation, and interaction with numismatic heritage.Numismatics and Innovation: New Frontiers of ResearchThe current digital revolution lays the groundwork for a profound redefinition of numismatic studies, introducing new tools and methodologies that will gradually transform its approach and research perspectives. Likewise, numismatic collecting is poised for a significant evolution. In response to these changes, the Institute structures its investigation through specialized departments, focusing on critical areas such as the metaverse, blockchain, XR (extended reality, including virtual reality - VR, augmented reality - AR, and mixed reality - MR), 3D modeling, NFTs (non-fungible tokens), and artificial intelligence. Additionally, the Institute explores emerging frameworks for digital certification and authentication, numismatic digitization processes, and new interactive models that foster dynamic exchanges between researchers and collectors within immersive environments.A Digital-Native InstitutionDesigned from its inception as a digital-native institution, the Institute operates directly within virtual platforms and the evolving digital landscapes of research. Its decentralized structure enables collaboration among specialists from across the globe, fostering an innovative and transdisciplinary approach to numismatic studies. This commitment to new research frontiers frequently materializes through investigative projects conducted within the metaverse, an ecosystem where novel paradigms of scholarly analysis, collecting, and engagement are assuming increasing relevance. In line with this vision, the Institute has established a research presence within the metaverse The Sandbox, joining an ecosystem shared by global pioneers in financial, cultural, and technological innovation, including Atari, Binance, Adidas, and Warner Music. Notably, The Sandbox has also been embraced by esteemed institutions such as the British Museum, which has explored its potential for cultural heritage dissemination and digital engagement.Interdisciplinary Approaches and Critical AssessmentsThe Institute's strategic positioning extends beyond mere symbolic value, serving as a privileged observatory for in situ research, enabling scholars to scrutinize unprecedented dynamics firsthand. Engaging with these emerging environments, the Institute adopts an interdisciplinary approach that integrates methodologies from the anthropological sciences to analyze the evolving dynamics of tokenization, digital ownership, and emerging forms of virtual asset exchange. The research focuses on a critical assessment of the potential these processes offer to numismatic studies and collecting, examining their epistemological, legal, and socio-cultural implications within the broader framework of technological transformations. Beyond The Sandbox, the Institute actively engages with other emerging metaverses, consolidating its role as a scientific hub for the study of numismatic interactions. Through rigorous observation and a structured presence within digital realities, the Institute positions itself at the forefront of 21st-century numismatic research, harmonizing academic rigor with an innovation-driven, forward-looking perspective on digital transformation.Members of the InstituteThe Institute selects scholars and experts in the fields of numismatics and digital innovation based on the relevance of their scientific activity. The composition of the research group is designed to ensure a broad international perspective while maintaining a rigorous selection criterion. Members contribute to the critical analysis of the intersections between numismatics and emerging technologies, with particular attention to methodological and applied developments. As part of the Institute’s activities, they are tasked with drafting periodic assessments of major national initiatives, providing reference tools for mapping ongoing digital transformations.INIMEN ReportThe Institute publishes the INIMEN Report on a biennial basis, a document that, through a clear yet rigorous approach, makes the findings of its research activities accessible to a wider audience. Based on the critical analysis conducted by its members, the INIMEN Report provides an updated overview of methodological and technological transformations. The first edition, INIMEN Report 1, published in March 2025, examines the period 2019-2024. Shortly after its founding, the Institute's members initiated a retrospective survey aimed at identifying the key innovations of the previous five-year period, outlining emerging dynamics and research perspectives. The INIMEN Report is available on Zenodo, ensuring maximum dissemination within academic and specialist circles.

• Departments

01.

Metaverse Department

The metaverse emerges as a field of experimentation for numismatics, offering spaces where coins can be represented, studied, and discussed in ways that have yet to be fully explored. The Institute closely observes the emerging dynamics within these digital environments, where new and significant opportunities for interaction with numismatic heritage are taking shape, both in terms of research and dissemination. The focus is on creating immersive environments where coins can be contextualized within historical reconstructions, the possibility of globally accessible virtual exhibitions, and the development of educational, social, and knowledge-sharing formats that could arise in this context.

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02.

Blockchain Department

The use of blockchain in numismatics is generating growing interest due to its ability to ensure traceability and security in transactions and authenticity certifications. The Institute examines the potential impact of this technology on the documentation of numismatic heritage, the certification processes for coins, and the management of both public and private collections. While blockchain could offer innovative solutions for recording provenance and establishing digital certification systems, there are still unresolved questions regarding its large-scale applicability, its acceptance by public cultural institutions, and the implications it may have on the collectors' market.

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03.

XR (VR, AR, MR) Department

Extended Reality (XR) technologies, encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), could open new avenues for the study and dissemination of numismatic heritage. The Institute explores how these technologies can facilitate access to collections that are otherwise difficult to consult, enable new ways of representing coins, and offer more immersive and detailed user experiences. Among the possibilities currently being tested are the reconstruction of historical contexts where coins can be observed in their original environment, the integration of digital data into traditional catalogs, and the use of interactive interfaces that allow for a more in-depth analysis of numismatic artifacts.

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The use of 3D modeling in numismatics is generating new opportunities for study, documentation, and dissemination. The Institute analyzes the implications of this technology for the creation of detailed digital models, which are valuable for archiving, visualization, and comparative study of coins. Three-dimensional scanning techniques enable the production of highly accurate reproductions of numismatic artifacts, making them accessible to scholars and institutions without the need to transport the originals. However, several key aspects still need to be explored, such as the standardization of models, their long-term preservation, and the epistemic value these reproductions can offer compared to physical specimens.

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The phenomenon of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) is raising questions about its potential applications in numismatics. The Institute aims to study the extent to which NFTs can be used for the digitization of coins and the creation of blockchain-based certificates of authenticity. While this technology could serve as a new tool for the protection and enhancement of numismatic heritage, its actual impact on collecting and numismatic research remains uncertain. The possibility of linking a coin to an NFT could ensure secure transaction traceability and greater protection against counterfeiting, but it also raises legal, economic, and cultural concerns that require careful evaluation.