Numismatics, the collection or study of currency, including coins, paper money, tokens, medals, and related objects, is the focus of this part of our web guide.
Coin collectors are often referred to as numismatists, but the discipline also includes the broader study of money and other means of payment used to exchange goods and resolve debts.
The earliest known coin collections were during the Renaissance, when wealthy individuals, including rulers and scholars, collected ancient coins as symbols of culture and history. The hobby gained broader popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries with the establishment of professional organizations and public exhibitions.
Numismatics is divided into subfields, defining the collectors' interests. The most common is collecting ancient, modern, commemorative, and proof coins. Also popular is the collection of paper money, banknotes, bonds, and other forms of currency. Closely related, notaphily is the study of paper money, including its artistic and historical aspects, while scripophily refers to the collection of stock and bond certificates, often prized for their decorative designs. Collecting items such as tokens, medals, and casino chips is known as exonumia.
It is helpful to understand the terminology involved in coin collecting. Obverse refers to the front side (head) of a coin, while reverse is the back side (tail). The facility where coins are produced is known as a mint, while mintage is the number of coins of a specific type or design that are produced. Proof coins are specially minted with polished surfaces, often made specifically for collectors. The grade is the condition or quality of a coin, usually assessed by professional grading services.
Numismatic associations offer collectors opportunities to network, learn, and share their passions. Examples include the American Numismatic Association (ANA). Established in 1891, the ANA is one of the leading organizations in the United States. The British Numismatic Society (BNS) focuses on coins and medals of British origin, while the Numismatic Society of India (NSI) promotes the study of coins in Indian history. The International Numismatic Council (INC) is a global organization supporting numismatic research and collaboration.
Several publications cater to coin collectors and enthusiasts. These include Numismatic News, Coin World, and The Numismatist, published by the ANA.
Topics related to numismatics are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
American Numismatic Association
Founded in 1891, the ANA aims to advance the knowledge of numismatics and promote interest in the hobby. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the ANA publishes a monthly journal, "The Numismatist," and operates a money museum at its headquarters building. Its location, museum, and publications are featured, along with its educational offerings, calendar of events, program for young numismatists, teacher resources, ANA membership data, and a dealer directory.
https://www.money.org/
The ANS is a New York City-based organization dedicated to the study of coins, money, medals, tokens, and related objects. Founded in 1858, the ANS operates the only American museum devoted solely to their preservation and study, its collection encompassing nearly a million items, including a comprehensive library of numismatic literature. Its history, governance, staff, calendars, programs, and collections are highlighted, and an online store offers books and a subscription to its journal.
https://numismatics.org/
CoinArchives is a comprehensive database for numismatics enthusiasts, collectors, and researchers. It provides access to a large archive of coins featured in numismatic auctions, including ancient, medieval, and modern coins. The platform offers tools to identify and attribute coins, research their provenance, and understand the market for collectible coins. A premium service, CoinArchives Pro, includes advanced features like search tools and access to additional records.
https://www.coinarchives.com/
Numiis is a platform for coin collectors and numismatists to determine coin values, track price trends, and access an extensive numismatic database. The website provides resources like a coin identifier application that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to recognize coins from images and provide accurate market values. Resources for bullion, medals, and notes are also provided. Its Basic and Premium plans are defined and made available, and recommended dealers are listed.
https://www.numiis.com/
NGC is an international, third-party coin grading and certification service based in Sarasota, Florida. Its certification services include authentication, grading, attribution, and encapsulation in clear plastic holders. A subsidiary of Certified Collectibles Group, NGC was founded in 1987. NGC certifies most United States, world, and ancient coins, tokens, and medals. Its site features price guides, contests, advertising opportunities, and instructions for submitting coins.
https://www.ngccoin.com/
The NSI is India's oldest institution dedicated to the study and research of coins, medals, seals, and other currency-related items. Founded in 1910, the organization is located within the Banaras Hindu University campus in Varanasi. The Society publishes the "Journal of the Numismatic Society of India," and organizes annual conferences, seminars, exhibitions, and other events for its members, and to promote numismatic studies. Its membership levels and contacts are posted.
https://thenumismatics.org/
Established in 1964, NI is a global organization dedicated to the study and collection of numismatic items, such as coins, currency, and exonumia, particularly from countries outside the United States. The organization focuses on promoting numismatic education and fostering connections between collectors worldwide. They present a library with over 2,800 titles, publish a bi-monthly periodical (The NI Bulletin), and semi-annual mail bid sales. Membership data and contacts are posted.
http://numis.org/
Numista is an online platform for numismatists, offering a comprehensive catalog of coins, banknotes, and exonumia from around the world. Through the website, users can view information, manage their collections online, and connect with others for swaps. The platform also features a discussion forum, assistance in the identification of coins, advertising, and networking opportunities, such as information on events, markets, and other outings. Contacts are posted.
https://en.numista.com/
Professional Coin Grading Service
PCGS is a third-party coin grading, authentication, attribution, and encapsulation service founded in 1985. Founded and headquartered in California, the firm has divisions in Europe and Asia. Owned by Collectors Universe, PCGS operates worldwide, offering coin certification services and supplies, memberships, and subscriptions. Included is a price guide, auction prices, message boards, advertising opportunities, a directory of authorized dealers, and contact data.
https://www.pcgs.com/
Professional Numismatists Guild
The official website of the Professional Numismatists Guild supplies information for enthusiasts of coin and currency collecting. You can use their directory to locate a PNG dealer or learn about the Guild's Code of Ethics and Collector's Bill of Rights. The site also offers a primer for new collectors, information about upcoming events and the Guild's scholarship program, a stolen coin database for members, and an introduction to its PNG-accredited precious metals dealer program.
https://www.pngdealers.org/
Founded as the Numismatic Society of London in 1836, the Society today is international in scope and membership, and its lectures and publications deal with Classical, Asian, Medieval, and Modern coins, paper money, tokens, and medals. The RNS hosts regular meetings, which are open to the public, and produces a variety of publications on numismatic subjects, including "The Numismatic Chronicle." Its membership levels, event schedules, and publications are featured.
https://numismatics.org.uk/
The U.S. Mint is the official producer of coins for the United States. Established in 1792, it is one of the oldest federal agencies. The Mint is responsible for manufacturing and distributing circulating coins, precious metal coins, collectible coins, and national medals. It operates facilities in Denver, Fort Knox, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and West Point. Other former Mint facilities have ceased operations, including Carson City, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, and Manila.
https://www.usmint.gov/
The USA Coin Book is a comprehensive online platform for coin collectors and enthusiasts. It offers tools to buy, sell, auction, and research coins, along with detailed information on coin values, prices, and varieties, including a coin encyclopedia. Through the platform, collectors can buy, sell, request, and auction off coin collections and keep track of their collections in the online database. A mobile application is available for iPhones and Android devices, and contacts are provided.
https://www.usacoinbook.com/
Established in 1998 by Hank Eskin, a database consultant, WheresGeorge is a crowd-sourced project to track the natural geographic circulation of U.S. paper money. While its name comes from the portrait of George Washington on the $1 bill, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 denominations can be tracked, although the $1 bill is the most common. Participants can track bills they entered into the database as they are re-entered by others, along with other data, and an online forum.
https://www.wheresgeorge.com/
