Coin collecting, or numismatics is a hobby as old as
time. As a hobby, it has been around for more than 2,500 years. This is
surprising since the use of coins has been around for pretty much that same
amount of time too. Man has always had a fixation for small, round, shiny
things. And throughout the ages, coin collectors have always been on the prowl
for the oldest, rarest, most attractive coins around.
Numismatics comes from the Greek word nomisma, meaning ‘currency,’ or coin. It
is also related to the study of banknotes, tokens, and other early forms of
money.
Coins and other forms of money are issued by governments and other monetary
agencies. Billions of these flood the market yearly. But as time goes by, the
number of these coins go down. Some get lost and some are damaged beyond
recognition.
This goes to show that the older the coin, the rarer it must be. And for coin
collectors, this is prime stuff.
Coin collectors and hobbyists number millions around the world. This hobby is
taken so seriously that there are even professional dealers and investors who
ply their trade in this fashion.
The lure of coins lies in its power to draw people into the era it belonged
to. These coins show many aspects of everyday life during those times. By
examining a coin, one comes to know the geography, philosophy, sociology,
artistry and other aspects of the culture they existed in.
Ancient kings (and even today’s leaders) had a telling habit of having their
faces imprinted on their currency. Some historians have been able to put
together clues regarding the ancient civilizations using these coins.
Sometimes, coins would tell of a leader or prominent figure that would have
been forgotten by time if it were not for these coins.
Hobbyists usually start collecting coins from their own locality. This makes
sense because they are the easiest to collect. These hobbyists then expand
their collection to coins from increasingly farther and earlier origins.
Coin collectors regard every single coin as a unique specimen. They take note
of the date, the mint marks, and even the abnormalities in its design.
Ironically, some of the most expensive coins are those with the strangest
abnormalities. This is because this type of coin is hard to come by.
For example, there could be a coin in existence that differs from other coins
in its batch. For some unknown reason, it lacks some of the required markings.
Such coins are deemed more valuable than the normal coins of its type.
A good number of coin collectors collect coins according to themes. The coins
they collect all have a common topic. Some collect coins related to kings and
queens. Some collect those related to plants and animals.
The price for a coin is determined by the demand for this coin. Many factors
affect this demand. If a coin is rare, chances are, it is in great demand.
However, there are some coins that are rare, or exotic, yet the demand for
them remains low. If this is the case, then its market value will remain in
the low end.
Before purchasing coins, one must do much research about that coin. He must
assess its current market value and make sure that the coin is genuine. He
should also consider how much he could earn if he resells the coin.
The American Numismatic Association is the largest numismatic organization in
the world. It was founded in 1891 and was chartered by the Congress of the
United States 21 years later. This group has the largest library of coins
available. Collectors would love to visit their headquarters, the World Money
Museum, which is one of the largest coin museums in the world.
Another organization, the American Numismatic Society, is the most active and
respected nonprofit numismatic publisher in the world. They maintain a museum
that contains more than a million objects. They also have a library that has
one of the most comprehensive in coin collecting knowledge.
Whether you are a hobbyist or a serious collector, coin collecting will always
bring a sense of fulfillment and history to your life. It is never too late to
start collecting today. You can’t lose! Your collection can only grow in value
as the time passes by!
For more great coin collecting info and advice check
out:
www.just-coins.com
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