The collection of currency, including coins, paper money, tokens, medals, and related objects, is known as numismatics. Products associated with this hobby are the focus of this category.
Collectors of these objects are known as numismatists, a term also applied to the broader study of money and other means of payment used to resolve debts and exchange goods.
At the core of numismatics is the acquisition and study of coins, paper currency, tokens, and medals.
Coin collecting is perhaps the most popular aspect of numismatics. Collectors seek coins for their historical value, rarity, and artistic design. Key areas of interest include ancient coins, commemorative coins, and coins minted from precious metals.
Banknotes and bills from various countries and historical periods captivate collectors with their intricate designs and historical context. The transition from paper to polymer banknotes has added a modern twist to this hobby.
Often used as substitutes for currency, tokens hold particular interest due to their varied use cases, from transportation to commemorative events.
Collecting medals, whether military, commemorative, or award medals, provides a glimpse into significant historical events and achievements.
Numismatics extends beyond the items being collected. A range of supplementary products are used to preserve, display, and enhance collections.
The proper storage and display of collected items are essential for maintaining their condition and value. Display cases and coin holders offer protection from environmental factors while showcasing the features of each item.
Coin albums provide an organized way to store and display coin collections. They often come with descriptions and spaces for each coin, allowing collectors to catalog their acquisitions methodically.
Detailed examination of coins and banknotes requires magnification tools. Magnifiers and loupes help collectors scrutinize intricate details, ensuring the authenticity and condition of collected items.
Maintaining the appearance of coins without damaging them is vital, and household cleaning solutions and methods can severely degrade the coin's value. Coin cleaning kits provide the tools and solutions to clean collectibles safely and effectively. However, many experts discourage cleaning valuable coins. Coins naturally develop a patina, a film that forms over time due to environmental contact. This patina is valuable, and its removal can significantly devalue a coin.
Books and guides offer valuable information on the history, value, and identification of various collectibles, assisting collectors in making informed decisions.
Additionally, professional grading services assess and certify the condition and authenticity of coins and banknotes. These certifications add value and trustworthiness to these items, particularly in the eyes of buyers and sellers.
As this is the shopping area of our web guide, we will focus on the products associated with numismatics here. Additional information and resources on numismatics can be found in the corresponding category within our Sports & Recreation section.
Recommended Resources
Created as an in-house project of ROKO Design Group, a former web development firm based in Boca Raton, Florida, the site has been online since 1997. Currently based in Coral Springs, Florida, coins may be bought or sold through the website, including gold and silver coins, U.S. coins, world coins, and exceptional coins. Besides its product catalog, the site includes informational articles and opinions, an "Ask the Coin Doc" feature, and answers to questions about cleaning coins.
https://coinsite.com/
Established in 2001, CSA Notes buys and sells genuine Confederate and States notes from the Civil War era. The first note from the Confederate States of America was issued in April of 1861, and notes were issued for the next three years, ending in 1864. A total of 70 different types were issued into circulation. CSA notes, obsoletes, stocks and bonds, and currency notes are are available. Information on grading paper money is provided, along with a list of terms.
http://www.csanotes.com/
Dave's is a well-known coin dealer specializing in US coins, silver coins, and proof sets. In business since 2003, they have a large selection of coins and promise fast shipping and reasonable prices. New releases, single coins, sets, and junk silver are highlighted, and shoppers may also browse by denomination and other categories, including tokens and medals, proof sets, and world coins. Testimonials, a numismatic glossary, printed catalog, and contacts are included.
https://davescollectiblecoins.com/
In business for over 50 years, Liberty is a well-known company specializing in collectible coins and precious metals, offering a wide range of products, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium coins, as well as U.S. and world coins. The company carries all U.S. Mint bullion products, including gold, silver, and platinum American Eagles, a large selection of certified U.S. and World coins, and all original U.S. Mint packaged products, including annual Proof and Uncirculated Mint sets.
https://libertycoin.com/
Founded in 1945 and based in Littleton, New Hampshire, Littleton Coin Company is an employee-owned company focused on numismatic (currency) collectibles. The company deals largely in U.S. and World coins, as well as a variety of paper money and ancient coins. Largely based on direct mail, the company publishes catalogs several times a year and has long had a coins-on-approval program. Its products are also available through its e-commerce site, which includes coins and currency, and new issues.
https://www.littletoncoin.com/shop
NGC is an international third-party coin grading and certification service in Sarasota, Florida. NGC certification involves authentication, grading, attribution, and encapsulation in clear plastic holders. The company's website provides information about its grading services, holders, guarantees, and partnerships. Numismatists may submit coins for expert authentication and grading, NGC certification can be verified, and price guides are available. Advertising opportunities are posted.
https://www.ngccoin.com/
The online coin retailer specializes in selling modern coins, including modern U.S. coins in all denominations, commemoratives, vintage coins, tokens, medallions, and gold pieces. According to the website, the company will not sell "problem coins" despite the fact that some collectors will buy them in order to fill gaps in their collections. The company also offers wholesale and lot sales, closeout sales, holders, boxes, cases, gift certificates, and certificates of authenticity.
https://qualitycollectiblecoins.com/
Launched in 2010, USA Coin Book is a platform where coin collectors can buy and sell their collections. The site charges no fees for dealers to sell their coins in a regular "Buy Now" format, where coins can be displayed indefinitely in a storefront of sorts. Dealers or regular collectors can sell coins and supplies in auctions as well, ranging in durations between one day and one month, with no listing fees, although a final value fee is charged to support its costs.
https://www.usacoinbook.com/
Online since 1997, the site specializes in rare U.S. paper currency or banknotes. Its e-commerce store is categorized by fractional (paper money with a face value under a dollar), fancy serials (serial numbers that follow distinct patterns), small size, errors, large size, and nationals (national currency). Photos, grading, and descriptions are set forth, along with show schedules, an address, a telephone number, an email address, and the history of the business.
https://usarare.com/
