Collectibles Universe

Defined as the systematic study and accumulation of coins, paper money, and other similar entities, coin collecting will forever be known as one of the classic forms of collecting and one of the oldest hobbies in the world. Since paper money was only implemented recently (18th century) in countries such as Japan, the art of collecting paper money is a popular practice, but coin collecting is a more modern phenomenon and practiced in a wider capacity. Believed to have begun during the Renaissance, coin collecting is said to have been a hobby of Emperor Agustus who was fond of old foreign coins and would sometimes give collectible coins as gifts. Tangible evidence has also been unearthed that prove coin collecting was a hobby as early as the Roman era and likely as long as they’ve existed.

The 19th century brought upon a surge in coin collecting as more and more people began embracing the hobby. Coin collecting supplies such as books and the Internet made information and pricing more accessible to a wider scope of individuals. The industry was furthered with greater widening of the coin-collecting fraternity, the establishment of coin shows, numismatic conventions, international conferences, academic symposia, and a proliferation of local clubs. Coin collecting dealers became more closely knit and organizations were established. Many older collectors find that their collectible coins fetch quite a hefty price in the secondary market, while many new to coin collecting keep it as merely a hobby. The beauty of an extensive coin collection always lends the opportunity for items to skyrocket in value within the secondary market, but most enjoy the prospect of searching for missing pieces to their coin collection.

Rare Coins of the Byzantine Empire