Numismatic

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. The study and collection of currency, including coins and medals, refers to an academic field as well as a hobby for enthusiasts
2. This term encompasses both the research related to money systems and the passion for gathering historical artifacts
3. It includes all aspects of money, such as its historical significance and the art of collecting various forms of currency

Etymology: "Numismatic" comes from French "numismatique," and behind that lies Latin "numisma," meaning a coin or currency, which in turn was borrowed from Greek "nomisma," a current coin, from "nomos," meaning custom or law. A coin was, in effect, something that circulated by convention, so the Greek word tied money to the same root as the idea of what is customary and lawful. The English adjective was borrowed directly from French, and its focus is narrow: it describes anything concerned with coins, medals, tokens and paper money, whether the subject is their design, their history or their value to collectors. The noun "numismatist," for a student or collector of such objects, follows the same pattern, built on the same Latin base.

Synonyms: coin-related, currency-related