The History of Numismatics

The History of Numismatics

The History of Numismatics

August 6, 2010 461 view(s)

For as long as coins and money have been around, people have been collecting them. In fact, records of coin collecting go all the way back to the time of Caesar Augustus and Petrarch is often considered the first coin collector of the Renaissance era. Gold is one of the most coveted precious metals in the world today. It has long represented wealth, power and prestige, and people all over collect rare coins stricken from gold. While in the past the precious metal was mainly owned by kings, governments and influential aristocrats, there are many numismatists today who enjoy collecting gold coins.


History of Numismatics


Numismatics is the study of currency, including coins, paper money, and other valuable properties. When a person is interested in numismatics, he or she often reveres gold coins for their superiority in terms of value and historical significance. In this way, gold is more highly prized than virtually any other precious metal. Therefore, people looking to get involved in such a prestigious practice may want to buy gold coins that command attention and appreciate in value for years to come. Becoming educated in numismatics may be difficult without proper guidance, and there are organizations available to help people learn about the practice and meet other individuals who also enjoy coin collecting. The Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG), for example, is a specialty club offered to coin enthusiasts who can meet a rigorous set of ethical and financial standards. PNG members gain invaluable insight into the art of coin collecting and are able to find greater success through investments in precious metals than collectors who practice numismatics alone. Here is a handy list of numismatic terms that can get you started.


Free gold and silver investment kit

Get Our Free
Investor's Guide


What Coin Collectors Look For


For example, the incuse Indian Head coin of the early nineteenth century is highly sought after precisely because it has such a unique design and history. A coin collector would be able to tell you how this coin is one of only two ever minted in the United States that features an incuse design, that it was created to combat counterfeiting, and that it created fears that incuse design would spread disease. Just one coin can have a beautifully rich story all its own. Because coins prior to the seventeenth century are so rare, most modern coin collectors focus on coins from the mid-17th century to the present. They collect coins for many different reasons. They may collect coins to record history, as an investment, or simply because the designs on coins can rightfully be considered works of art. 


Coins with Errors


Many coin collectors also interest themselves in coins that are produced with errors. These coins are usually extremely valuable and highly sought after because they are very rare. While a typical run of coins might number into the tens of thousands, an error will generally only affect a couple hundred coins during the entire run. The best part of collecting precious metal coins is that they will always have value. While your baseball card collecting friend may end up with thousands of baseball cards not worth the paper on which they are printed, you can know that because your coins are created with a precious metal that is always desired, you will always have value in your collection. It’s never too late to start a coin collection of your own. The United States Gold Bureau has a wide range of rare and modern coins in gold, silver, and platinum. Contact us today to speak with a representative about our inventory and prices.