Have you ever heard the word numismatics and wondered what it means? Well, you’re not alone. Numismatics has been in use since the 6th century BC, but its origins are much more recent. The term comes from the Latin word “numisma,” which translates to “coin.” It refers to the study and collecting of coins, as well as other related items such as medals and tokens. In this blog post, we will delve into the history of numismatics and explore how it has developed over time.
The first known use of numismatic terminology was by Aristotle in his book “Politics” written in 350 BC. He used it to refer to the study of coins, which he believed was necessary for understanding economic theory at that time. The first actual coin collector wasn’t recorded until 1620 when Thomas Dempster wrote about a man who collected coins from Rome and Greece.
In 1760, a French scholar named Jean-Jacques Barthélemy published “Numismata: An Essay on Coins and Medals” which marked a turning point for numismatics. This text expanded on Aristotle’s work by providing an extensive list of coins from around the world and detailed descriptions of their shapes, sizes, values, uses and designs. This text helped popularize coin collecting among scholars in France and throughout Europe during the 18th century.
In the United States, numismatic societies were established in 1791, with several more being founded shortly after throughout Europe and Asia. These societies often held meetings where members could discuss their collections or buy/sell coins among themselves or with dealers who specialized in rare coins or currency from around the world.
Today there are many national organisations dedicated to promoting numismatic studies, including American Numismatic Association (ANA), Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA) and the International Bank Note Society (IBNS).
Numismatics is an ancient practice that has been passed down through generations for millennia now! From Aristotle's writings about coins to today's modern coin-collecting organisations, this hobby has evolved greatly over time—but its essence remains unchanged: appreciation for rare items that tell stories about our past!
Whether you're just getting started with your own collection or have been a collector for years now, it's always worthwhile to take some time out to learn more about where this fascinating hobby originates from! With a bit of knowledge under your belt you'll be able to make smarter decisions when building your collection!