Know How Coin Collecting Started

Known as a treasured hobby for royals, coin collecting has spread throughout the world and now considered as a favorite hobby by different individuals, from a variety of backgrounds. But how did coin collection become a popular hobby, and what could be the reasons for its popularity? A check of coinage history will tell us that it was Caesar Augustus who was considered the first collector of these items. According to tales and written records, the Roman emperor loved compiling the coins, both local and those given to him by foreign dignitaries. The love for collecting this ancient coinage was transferred to the next emperor. While coinage is now seen as a means for transacting business and sales, in early times coins were treated as intricate works of art. In fact, the early coinage in the region was also used to accessorize one’s clothes or body. Through the years, the roles of coinage varied slightly, and there was a time when these were produced to highlight the accomplishments and achievements of emperors and kings.

 Coins: Fun collection and development from Mid Ages to age of ‘Rebirth’

It was only during the start of the 14th century that the idea of collecting coins gained traction and became more popular. This treasured hobby became more popular during the time of Renaissance, when the idea of collecting these coins became popular among royals that include Louis XIV from France and even Pope Boniface VII. From a royal and religious pass-time, collecting coins was also adopted in universities, and coins were subjected to studies as well so that students and researchers alike will learn more about the start and the development of coin use.

Modern collections started in 1800s

There are different coinage groups that led to modern coin collecting, but it was American Numismatic Society (1858) and American Numismatic Association (1891) that can be considered the leading organizations that inspired many to take up coin collections. This was also that time when resources like books were printed, telling the story of coinage and collections. Collectors soon grew in numbers and were no longer collecting just ordinary bronze or gold coinage; they were now looking for specific coins including proof, commemorative and even error coinage. It was in 1962 when for coinage followers and collectors met for the first time, with nearly 40,000 guests in participation. This event in Detroit was organized by ANA together with another numismatic group from Canada.

Aside from collecting, enthusiast and experts are now also beginning to appreciate coinage trading. It was during the 1970s when a growing number of individuals were trading coins. And thanks to the gold (or silver or bronze) content of coins, collectors and other stakeholders learned how to generate cash from trading coinage. With these coinage opportunities came the usual drawbacks, fakes included. Counterfeited coinage is starting to creep into the community, thus responsive policies were in order. This was a time when grading firms became the norm. Today, coin collecting and other transactions surrounding these are fast-growing. Now, it’s no longer just for royals; the appeal of collecting transcends income or educational achievement.