numismatic

adjective

nu·​mis·​mat·​ic ˌnü-məz-ˈma-tik 

-məs-,

ˌnyü-

1

: of or relating to numismatics

2

: of or relating to currency : monetary

numismatically

ˌnü-məz-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

-məs-

ˌnyü-

adverb

Did you know?

The first metal coins are believed to have been used as currency by the Lydians, a people of Asia Minor, during the 7th century B.C.E., and it is likely that folks began collecting coins not long after that. The name that we give to the collection of coins today is numismatics, a word that also encompasses the collection of paper money and of medals. The noun numismatics and the adjective numismatic came to English (via French numismatique) from Latin and Greek nomisma, meaning "coin." Nomisma in turn derives from the Greek verb nomizein ("to use") and ultimately from the noun nomos ("custom" or "law"). From these roots we also get numismatist, referring to a person who collects coins, medals, or paper money.

Examples of numismatic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The family purchased the coin as an investment for $18,200, but the dime was concealed in the vault for decades, its whereabouts a mystery to the numismatic world. —Madeline Fitzgerald, Quartz, 29 Oct. 2024

This extraordinary auction has not only captivated the numismatic community but also provided a blueprint for future estate planning and cultural preservation efforts worldwide. —Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

The inaugural sale of the Lars Emil Bruun coin collection, held by Stack's Bowers in Copenhagen on September 14, 2024, has captured significant attention across the numismatic and estate planning communities. —Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

This particular bill had a very low serial number for the 2003 series and was sold through Heritage Auctions, the largest numismatic auction house in the world. —Doc Louallen, The Arizona Republic, 26 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French numismatique, going back to Middle French, from Late Latin numismat-, numisma "coin, coinage," alteration (by association with Latin nummus "coin") of Latin nomismat-, nomisma (borrowed from Greek nomismat-, nómisma "custom, ritual, standard measure, coinage, currency," derivative, with the resultative suffix -mat-, -ma, of nomízein "to use, observe [a custom], make customary," from nómos "custom, convention, law" + -izein -ize) + Middle French, French -ique -ic entry 1 — more at nomothetic

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!