Mike,
I tried to send an e-mail message to you personally but my server let
me know that it (she? he?) could not find your host. Anywa, let's  let the
whole list know that I am pleased that you are going to try the
sandwich method which I have seen in function a couple of times. (As
to paper money, Robin is quite right). Re magnifying glasses which
are very helpful, at least for connaisseurs, perhaps you can find a
sponsor to buy you some cheap ones, possibly for the visitors to take
home (something to remind  them of your museum).
Good luck to you in solving the problem of making coins interesting
to non-numismatists.
Greetings, Fritz
(=Dr. Friedrich Waidacher, director emeritus Museum of the Province
of Styria, Graz, Austria)
Waidacher
Klosterwiesgasse 44, A-8010 Graz, Austria
Tel/Fax +43/(0)316/826264
Moenchegg 34, A-8742 St.Wolfgang-Kienberg, Austria
Tel/Fax +43/(0)3578/8216