This glossary of numismatics is a list of definitions of terms and concepts relevant to

numismatics Numismatics is the study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money, medals and related objects. Specialists, known as numismatists, are often characterized as students or collectors of coins, but the discipline also inc ...

and coin collecting, as well as sub-fields and related disciplines, with concise explanations for the beginner or professional. Numismatics (ancient Greek: , meaning "monetary") is the scientific study of

money Money is any item or verifiable record that is generally accepted as payment for goods and services and repayment of debts, such as taxes, in a particular country or socio-economic context. The primary functions which distinguish money ar ...

and its history in all its varied forms. While numismatists are often characterized as studying

coin A coin is a small, flat (usually depending on the country or value), round piece of metal or plastic used primarily as a medium of exchange or legal tender. They are standardized in weight, and produced in large quantities at a mint in order ...

s, the discipline also includes the study of other types of money, such as banknotes, stock certificates,

medal A medal or medallion is a small portable artistic object, a thin disc, normally of metal, carrying a design, usually on both sides. They typically have a commemorative purpose of some kind, and many are presented as awards. They may be int ...

s, medallions, and tokens (also referred to as exonumia). Sub-fields and related fields of numismatics include: * Exonumia, the study of

-like objects such as token coins and

s, and other items used in place of legal currency or for commemoration. * Notaphily, the study of paper

banknote A banknote—also called a bill (North American English), paper money, or simply a note—is a type of negotiable instrument, negotiable promissory note, made by a bank or other licensed authority, payable to the bearer on demand. Banknotes w ...

s. *

Philately Philately (; ) is the study of postage stamps and postal history. It also refers to the collection and appreciation of stamps and other philatelic products. Philately involves more than just stamp collecting or the study of postage; it is pos ...

, the study of postage stamps. *

Scripophily Scripophily is the study and collection of stock and bond certificates. A specialized field of numismatics, scripophily is an area of collecting due to both the inherent beauty of some historical documents as well as the interesting historical cont ...

, the study and collection of stocks and bonds.

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References

Bibliography

Coin World Glossary

Dictionary.com
* ''

A Guide Book of United States Coins ''A Guide Book of United States Coins (The Official Red Book)'', first compiled by R. S. Yeoman in 1946, is a price guide for coin collectors of coins of the United States dollar, commonly known as the Red Book. Along with its sister publicatio ...

'' by R.S. Yeoman * ''2005 Blackbook Price Guide to United States Paper Money''
"Numismatic Terms and Methods" from the American Numismatic Society
* '' The Complete Illustrated Guide to Coins & Coin Collecting'' by DR. James Mackay {{DEFAULTSORT:Glossary Of Numismatics

Numismatics Numismatics is the study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money, medals and related objects. Specialists, known as numismatists, are often characterized as students or collectors of coins, but the discipline also inc ...

Numismatics