Word of the Day

: July 28, 2014

numismatic

adjective noo-muz-MAT-ik

What It Means

1 : of or relating to the study or collection of coins, tokens, and money

2 : of or relating to currency : monetary

numismatic in Context

Jasmine was disappointed to learn that the 1936 buffalo nickel she owned had virtually no numismatic value.

"Steve is well-known in the numismatic community as a specialist in National Currency and is very passionate in his teachings and publications…." - Lake Sun Leader (Camdenton, Missouri), March 21, 2014

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 "usage"). From these roots we also get "numismatist," referring to a person who collects coins, medals, or paper money.