What is Numismatics (i.e. Coin Collecting)?
Numismatics, or coin collecting, is one of the most famous and oldest hobbies in the world. It comes from the Greek word “nomisma,” which means currency or coin. Numismatics is defined as the systematic collection and study of coins, tokens, paper money and similar articles. A scholar who studies the science of Numismatics is called a numismatist. Serious collectors are also referred to as numismatists. Most of them show interest in Ancient Greek or Roman coins, medieval or hammered coins, or coins from the modern era. Once known as “the hobby of kings” because of its esteemed founders, coin collecting has grown over the years. In ancient times, pieces of gold and silver ingots were the most common form of medium of payment. Since there were no standards, each transaction called for deliberate weighing and scrutiny because of dishonest merchants. Coins were invented in Lydia around 660 BC. Today, Lydia, a territory of western Asia Minor, belongs to Turkey but in that time was under Gre
