numismatic

adjective

nu·​mis·​mat·​ic ˌnü-məz-ˈma-tik 

-məs-, 

ˌnyü-

1

: of or relating to numismatics

2

: of or relating to currency : monetary

numismatically

ˌnü-məz-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

-məs-, 

ˌnyü-

adverb

Did you know?

The first metal coins are believed to have been used as currency by the Lydians, a people of Asia Minor, during the 7th century B.C.E., and it is likely that folks began collecting coins not long after that. The name that we give to the collection of coins today is numismatics, a word that also encompasses the collection of paper money and of medals. The noun numismatics and the adjective numismatic came to English (via French numismatique) from Latin and Greek nomisma, meaning "coin." Nomisma in turn derives from the Greek verb nomizein ("to use") and ultimately from the noun nomos ("custom" or "law"). From these roots we also get numismatist, referring to a person who collects coins, medals, or paper money.

Examples of numismatic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The prizes will vary from city to city, but each gallery will be giving away $10,000 worth of numismatic collectibles, ranging from roughly $300 to a grand prize valued at around $3,500. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2026

Unlike bullion coins, numismatic (collectible) coins derive much of their value from rarity, condition and collector demand rather than silver content alone. — Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

The Mint is also releasing special numismatic coins and medals throughout 2026 featuring unique designs and enhancements. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 20 Aug. 2026

Buyers entering the hobby through Nintendo games, Pokémon cards and comics are increasingly competing at seven-figure levels, while demand for museum-quality paintings, historical documents, rare books and numismatic material remains robust. — Daniel Cassady For Artnews, Robb Report, 13 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French numismatique, going back to Middle French, from Late Latin numismat-, numisma "coin, coinage," alteration (by association with Latin nummus "coin") of Latin nomismat-, nomisma (borrowed from Greek nomismat-, nómisma "custom, ritual, standard measure, coinage, currency," derivative, with the resultative suffix -mat-, -ma, of nomízein "to use, observe [a custom], make customary," from nómos "custom, convention, law" + -izein -ize) + Middle French, French -ique -ic entry 1 — more at nomothetic

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for numismatic

• achromatic
• acrobatic
• adriatic
• aliphatic
• antistatic
• aromatic
• astigmatic
• autocratic
• automatic
• bureaucratic
• charismatic
• cholestatic

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