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Gifts for a nusmistist (i.e., a coin collector) should
focus on the hobby. There are coins that you can purchase for
them, but you are going to need to ask them what they want. Buying
a coin is not an easy thing. Things to look at include type of
coin, year and grade. It is better off asking them then purchasing
something they may not be happy with - or at least get a hint from them.
In the alternative, you can get items that have a currency theme - even
items with a dollar or a cent symbol. |
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American Numismatic Society
(official): “The American Numismatic Society maintains the country's
foremost collection of coins, paper money and medals and promotes all
aspects of numismatic research and learning. Our collection covers all
periods and all regions of the world. In addition, the ANS libraray
holds the most comprehensive collection of numismatic literature in the
world. Visitors are welcome at our exhibition galleries and membership
information is available on our web-site.”
American Numismatic
Association (official): “The ANA, a non-profit, educational
organization chartered by Congress -- is dedicated to the collection and
study of coins, paper money, tokens and medals, and was created for the
benefit of its members and the numismatic community.”
Getting Started With Coin Collecting (The Hobby Barn Online):
Information on the dos and don’ts when beginning to start collecting
coins.
An Introduction to Coin
Collecting (Stacks Rare Coins): Information for the novice coin
collector.
History of Coins
and Collecting (AncientHistory.com): Information and history of
coins. |
A Numismatic Glossary by Gaston
Batadan
What is numismatics? This unusual word is
used to describe those who collect coins and medals, a centuries-old
hobby that continues to retain its popularity. It is not just money that
drives such collectors; the pure pleasure one gains from building a
personalized collection is considerable. Moreover, the jargon and
knowledge of those in the world of coin collecting is a natural bond. If
you
want to participate in this world, it's essential that you learn the
following information first.
AGW ~ Actual Gold Weight
While metal alloys may be considered part
of the gross weight of a coin, the AGW refers to that part of the coin
which contains only pure gold.
Alloy
A mixture of metals. Used to describe a coin, the word alloy indicates
that a coin is comprised of two or more metals.
Bag Mark
When a coin touches against another coin, a bag mark may result. Even
when small, such a scratch is considered a flaw. The name "bag mark" is
actually a bit of a misnomer, as scratches can occur even when the coins
are not inside a bag.
Blended
This term refers to the coin's edges. It
indicates that the edges are blurred or worn down due to some type of
abrasion.
CC
This mintmark identifies a product that has been struck at the Nevada
Mint, which is in Carson City.
Cull
A coin without value, because of its poor condition, is known as a cull.
Its condition is typically
attributable to environmental circumstances. These worthless coins are
considered non-collectibles.
Ding
A common slang term, both within the coin collecting community and
without, a "ding" is a small to medium-sized mark or indentation.
Eye Appeal
The overall impression a viewer has of a coin, or that which seizes the
viewer's attention, is called eye
appeal.
Hoarder
Someone who collects lots of coins and/or other numismatic items.
Mintmark
Each coin is struck at a particular mint, or facility, and the mintmark
signifies at which of these mints a coin was struck.
Wonder Coin
Another slang term, a "wonder coin" is an item worthy of wonder--i.e.,
in exceptional condition.
This small glossary of numismatic terms is just the tip of the iceberg.
The coin collecting world has a
language of its own, and if you are interested in getting involved, you
will need to embark on a more
comprehensive study of it.
Gaston Batadan is the webmaster of
Alta Coins which is one of the leading resources on the subject of
coins available online. For more information, go to:
http://www.altacoins.com. |
