A simple definition of numismatics is the the collection and study of coins, paper money, tokens and medals, and indeed these are the most widely collected and studied numismatic materials. Other items representing current or past financial assets or liabilities are also included under the numismatic umbrella. These include other objects used as money, as well as stock certificates, checks and notes of financial obligations.

Numismatic items are collected and studied for many reasons, including their historical significance and artistic merits, as well as their role in commerce. When significant demand exists, they may obtain numismatic value beyond their current monetary value (if any).

Coin collecting is perhaps the most popular part of the hobby and is sometimes used to refer to the entire numismatic spectrum (e.g. the newsgroup rec.collecting.coins is a forum for all numismatic topics). There are several specializations in coins and other branches of numismatics. With such breadth of material, numismatics offers virtually inexhaustible opportunities for exploration, learning and enjoyment.

Numismatics - a hobby for kings as well as the average man
The roman word "numismatic", originates from the Greek word "nomisma", which simply means coin. The roots of numismatics can be traced down to the period of the Italian renaissance in the 1400th and 1500th century. The coins, which were a part of the roman cultural heritage, became very popular and it is possible to identify every roman emperor in the coins. The roman portraits are normally very realistic and of high artistic standards. The artistic interest made the collecting of coins and medals very popular, it even got so popular that famous artists began to manufacture beautiful copies of the more famous roman emperors and architectural buildings.

Coins are fascinating because they often reflect stories of royalty, great leaders, history, power and patriotism relating to their respective countries of issuance. Famous figures become real and alive when depicted on an old coin. For example, Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great, in ancient times; Henry VIII, Napoleon, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln are all portrayed on coins just as they appeared at the time.

Many collectors specialize in odd coins or unusual forms of money, such as the cocoa bean money of Mexico, the glass money of ancient Egypt and the bullet money of Thailand.

Another approach is the "shotgun" method of collection whereby a person only buys coins which specifically interest them. When it comes to coin collecting there are no fixed rules. You decide what to collect

To be a successful coin collector requires that one study the subject. This site is designed to help you in all aspects of coin collection, including selection, purchase, handling, cleaning and grading.

Grades of preservation / Kvalitetsbeteckningar

Numismatic dictionary / Numismatisk ordlista