Numismatist facts for kids
A numismatist is someone who studies or collects coins and other forms of money. The word "numismatist" comes from a Late Latin word meaning "of coins." These experts can be collectors, special dealers, or researchers. They use coins and other currency to learn about history and economics. People have been collecting and studying coins for a very long time, even though the word "numismatics" was first used in English in 1799. If someone studies and collects paper money like banknotes, they are called a notaphilist, and this field is known as Notaphily.
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Who Are Numismatist Collectors?
This group of numismatists enjoys owning different types of money. They often study these coins as a hobby. Even as amateurs, some collectors have made amazing discoveries in the field of coin study. For example, Harry Bass was a famous collector who was also a skilled numismatist.
What Do Numismatist Dealers Do?
Coin dealers are often called professional numismatists. They help figure out if coins are real and how good their condition is. This is called grading coins. Buying and selling coin collections helps us learn more about money. Expert numismatists are often asked for advice by historians, museum workers, and archaeologists. Groups like the International Association of Professional Numismatists (IAPN) and the British Numismatic Trade Association (BNTA) are examples of these professionals.
Numismatist Researchers: Exploring History Through Money
This group includes numismatists who work in museums, universities, or as independent scholars. They gather knowledge about different types of money, how money systems work, and their place in history. Coins are especially important for understanding times before modern records were kept. They can tell us a lot about past economies and societies.
Becoming a Numismatist: Training and Recognition
There are not many places around the world that offer full courses just in numismatics. Some universities might include numismatics as part of other studies. These can include classical studies, ancient history, general history, or archaeology.
Many numismatists learn about coins while studying another subject. This could be history, archaeology, or even metal sciences. They might also attend special numismatic summer schools. These schools are usually held where there are excellent coin collections to study.
You can get recognized as a numismatic expert in a few ways. One way is by earning a special degree after university. Another way is by receiving a medal from a numismatic society. For instance, the Medal of the Royal Numismatic Society can be given to numismatists from any country. Donald H. Kagin earned the first PhD in Numismatics in the United States in 1979.
Numismatic Institutes
- The Institute for Numismatics and History of Money Vienna (Austria)
- Indian Institute for Research in Numismatic Studies, Nasik (India)
- International Centre for Numismatic Studies, Naples (Italy)
Numismatic Summer Schools
- American Numismatic Association Summer Seminar
- American Numismatic Society
- British Museum
- Radboud University Nijmegen (RU) and the Netherlands Institute at Athens (NIA) Summer School
Numismatic Organizations
Many groups around the world bring numismatists together. These organizations help people share knowledge and research about coins and money. Here are a few examples:
- American Numismatic Association
- American Numismatic Society
- Asociación Numismática Española (Spanish Numismatic Society)
- British Art Medal Society
- British Association of Numismatic Societies
- British Numismatic Society
- International Bank Note Society
- International Numismatic Council (organizes the International Numismatic Congress)
- Israel Numismatic Society
- Koninklijk Nederlands Genootschap voor Munt- en Penningkunde (Royal Dutch Numismatic Society)
- Money and Medals Network (UK)
- Numismatische Gesellschaft zu Berlin (Berlin Numismatic Society)
- Oriental Numismatic Society
- Österreichische Numismatische Gesellschaft (Austrian Numismatic Society)
- Royal Numismatic Society (UK)
- Swiss Numismatic Society
- Società Numismatica Italiana (Italian Numismatic Society)
- Royal Numismatic Society of Belgium
- Société française de numismatique (French Numismatic Society)
- Svenska Numismatiska Föreningen (Swedish Numismatic Society)
Learning About Famous Numismatists
Numismatists often become well-known in their specific areas of study. This could be a certain part of the world, a historical time period, or a particular culture. There are many resources that share information about famous numismatists and their work. These include special dictionaries and online lists.
See also
- In Spanish: Numismática para niños
- List of coin collectors
