Dr. Bill F. & Jean Kelso Collection of Ancient Coins - Edmon Low Library

About the Collection

The Dr. Bill F. & Jean Kelso Collection of Ancient Coins includes approximately 125 coins from the Mediterranean and Middle East and about 30 coins from China. Assembled largely during Dr. Kelso’s travels in Tunisia, the collection reflects his long-standing interest in ancient numismatics and was donated to the OSU Library to support teaching and research. In addition to the coins, the collection includes related reference books and photographs that document his study and identification work.

The coins span a broad chronological and geographic range. Highlights include early Greek pieces dating to the fourth century BC, coins from Carthage and other Mediterranean cultural centers, and numerous Roman issues representing nearly every Roman ruler across four centuries. Dr. Kelso’s original notes and identifications accompany the collection.

Because the items are three-dimensional, digitizing them required a specialized approach. The Library’s digital projects team developed a workflow using a stationary camera and a rotating turntable to capture multiple angles of each coin. This method allows online users to examine surface details, thickness, and wear patterns with greater clarity. By making the collection freely accessible online, the Library expands opportunities for students, researchers, and the public to study the materials beyond the physical reading room.

Access the Physical Collection

Materials from this collection are available in Special Collections and University Archives. For assistance or to request archival materials, contact (405) 744-6311 or libscua@okstate.edu.