The Collection of Y. F. Payevsky at the Münzkabinett of Prince Bezborodko Law Lyceum in Nizhyn

Abstract

The paper deals with the problems related to the processes of functioning of the Münzkabinett in Nizhyn Higher School. The focus is on the problem of filling the numismatic collection funds with new collections and individual exhibits. The object of the study is a collection of coins and medals, collected by Law Lyceum Professor J.F. Payevsky and "donated" by him to the lyceum, at the request of the management. Throughout its existence, the Münzkabinett was in the status of a non-independent institution. It had not any permanent special room, a separate staff, no funds were allocated for its maintenance. During the entire period, only one fact of allocation of funds for the purchase of new exhibits is recorded. The author concludes that during the specified period, a collection of coins and medals stored in the Münzkabinett did not play any role in the educational, educational and scientific process. However, the existence of the numismatic cabinet contributed to the prestige of the educational institution. In trying to avoid criticism from numerous officials, the Lyceum Board was to buy a private collection in order to increase numismatic exposure. The purchased collection did not solve the task and did not turn the Münzkabinett into a separate, independent research institution. The collection, which J. Payevsky collected for many years was eventually partially lost. The items of the collection were not rare, although it included a number of interesting and valuable exhibits. The existence of a separate description of this collection allows the researchers to partially reproduce its contents, to find out the time of its purchase and its fate. Payevsky himself, who did not want to donate his collection without any payment to the Lyceum Münzkabinett, was very quickly retired.