Every culture country and civilization has coinage that is collected, analyzed and traded. Coins are used as archaeological portals to gain access into historic and prehistoric times. In fact, coinology is arguably the best way to study history. Imagine Samarkand in the 7th century, the mix of languages and cultures. You will see that the coinage is remarkably complex and reflects this diversity. Without coins to give a vibrant living presence, deep historical discussions get too weighed down. With coins they are alive. It’s as if you can “see” the streets, the merchants and the ever present troops.

Yes, paying soldiers is one of the main reasons that coins are minted and they can be minted out in the field – this happened during the crusades, and these coins are highly collectible! Or…how did soldiers pay for stuff in the Civil War? There’s a whole story and area of collection that will blow your mind. Did you know that merchants would print their own tokens which were used as coins and these are collectible?

Don’t even talk about paper and ephemera. Wow. Notes of ALL kinds have always been issued and you can track history through them. An entire world awaits. Coin dealers recommend that you collect according to YOUR subject of interest, I guarantee it will be collectible – be it flowers, ancient Sumeria, tennis, ANYTHING can be found in coins. Every country has collectible  and error coins by the droves. I am going to join the ANA just because it really is worth it, and I recommend you explore their website to see how coins are collected in your country or at your level of interest. But don’t spend a lot of money right at first. I will post a list of links relevant to this very soon.