Numismatics involves studying and collecting items such as medals, paper money, and old coins. However, there’s more to the practice than simply obtaining and archiving historical currencies. Numismatics offers a palpable window into the past, especially when it comes to how we bartered and exchanged goods over the years. In Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands Stamp & Coin is the leading authority on this unique subject.

A Guide to History Through Numismatics 

Production of the Past

While determining coin values may be of significant interest to an average numismatics enthusiast, researching and studying old coins and paper money provides fascinating insight into currency production methods of the past.

Take the American gold eagle coins, for instance. These coins were first released in 1986 in three denominations: 1/10, 1/4, and 1 ounce. Government regulations required the coins to contain their listed weight in gold—based on troy ounces. They also guaranteed that gold was sourced from America and mixed with silver and copper alloy for added durability.

As a result of their means of production, gold eagle coins hold a fluctuating market value roughly equivalent to the value of the gold within. This peek into the past extends to coins from all over the world, and factors such as production errors and progressive wear tell us even more about the methods once used. 

From Curiosities to Modern Currency

Numismatics is also an excellent way to get a better idea of the cultural and political context of the time. Old coins represent methods of bartering and exchanging goods, and the designs emblazoned on each are more than mere symbols. Exploring the sociopolitical context of these items is of keen interest to students of modern numismatics, and sub-fields such as exonumia (tokens and medals), notaphily (paper currency or banknotes), and scripophily (stocks and bonds) serve to broaden the scope of the category. 

Collecting old coins isn't just a way to expand your understanding of history—it's a fun, valuable hobby with an ever-expanding community of enthusiasts behind it. You can meet a few of Honolulu's most trusted money collectors during a trip to Hawaiian Islands Stamp & Coin. Learn more about the old coins they have for sale online, and call them at (808) 531-6251 to speak with a helpful member of their staff.