Numismatics
/ˌnjuːmɪzˈmætɪks/noun
The study or collection of coins, currency, and medals.
Did you know?Numismatics ultimately comes from Greek nomisma, a “custom” or “coin,” from nomizein, “to use by custom” or “to consider lawful,” showing that money was once tied to social ritual and legitimacy, not just trade.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*nem-
“to assign, allot, dispense; to take by custom”
Ancient Greek
Greek
νόμος (nomos)
“custom, law, usage, ordinance”
Ancient Greek
Greek
νόμισμα (nomisma)
“customary usage; legal tender, coin”
Late Latin
Latin
numisma
“coin, piece of money”
Middle French
French
numismatique
“relating to coins and medals”
Modern English
English
numismatics
“the study of coins and currency”