A person who collects coins is called a numismatist.
More broadly, a numismatist is someone who studies and collects various forms of currency, including coins, tokens, and paper money. The field of study is known as numismatics.
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there can be a distinction:
- Coin collector: May have a more casual approach, collecting coins based on personal preference or specific sets, not always deeply researching their history or context.
- Numismatist: Often delves deeper, taking a scholarly approach to understanding the historical, cultural, and artistic aspects surrounding the coins they collect. They might specialize in particular eras or types of coinage and may even act as consultants to serious collectors.
Essentially, all numismatists are coin collectors, but not all coin collectors are necessarily numismatists in the stricter, more scholarly sense.
What is another name for a coin collector?
A coin collector is more formally called a ‘ numismatic’ or ‘numismatist’. The word numismatic means the study or collection of currency. This covers tokens, paper money, coins and medals. It also means a person who studies or collects currencies.
What is the difference between a coin collector and a numismatist?
Approach: Coin collectors often approach their hobby with a focus on personal enjoyment and the satisfaction of building a collection. Numismatists, however, take a more academic and scholarly approach, seeking to understand and preserve the history and artistry of currency.
What is someone who collects money called?
A person who collects coins is called a numismatist (“noo-miz-ma-tist”). Numismatics (“noo-miz-ma-ticks”) is the study and collecting of things that are used as money, including coins, tokens, and paper bills.
What do they call a coin dealer?
Numismatist dealers
In this group are the coin dealers. Often called professional numismatists, they authenticate or grade coins for commercial purposes.