Coin Collecting

coin collecting, also called numismatics, the systematic accumulation and study of coins, tokens, paper money, and objects of similar form and purpose. The collecting of coins is one of the oldest hobbies in the world. With the exception of China and Japan, the introduction of paper money is for the most part a recent development (meaning since the 18th century). Hence, while paper money and other types of notes are collectible, the history of that form of collecting is distinct from coins and largely a modern phenomenon.