Guide to Coin Collecting

A History of Collecting Coinage

Even in Ancient Times, there has always been a need for peoples to have a common currency. Most often, barter and trade were used. If a farmer had excess wheat, he traded it to the fisherman for his excess fish. However, as our races became more settled and civilised, we found occupations that had no material wealth associated with them. To this purpose, governments created currency.

The first currencies are reputed to have been shells, gems, salt or raw ores. However it quickly became the style for Rulers of various barbari Kingdoms to endow small pieces of metals with symbols important to their rule. Sometimes the rulers would use likenesses of their faces on one side, much the same as our Enlightened Emperor does today. However this has not always been so. Some coins became quite detailed with patterns and designs quite unrecognisable from the solid golden Crown of Aelyria.

Gold and silver have historically been basic metals used for minting coinage. Other metals have been used, including copper, bronze, and platinum, though these coins have been discontinued as legal tender within the Empire of Aelyria; they hold only an intrinsic value to the Collector. There are many reasons one desires to collect ancient coinage. Some admire the history contained in a few small pieces of metal, others delight in the beautiful artistry that goes into the designs of each piece. A few enjoy the investment potential of coins from the past, and the possibilities of current coins in the future. Some enjoy the variety that various other nations present from over the seas.

Whatever the reasons, once someone finds a love for the collection of numismatic pieces, it is a hobby that endures with time. No limits but the resources of the collector hinder the ability to enjoy this hobby. Coin collecting has historically been primarily a sport for the wealthy and nobility. Collections and individual coins would have passed down through the patterns to land into a young Lord's hands. With the enactment of the Alyssan Civitate, the Nobility lost by and large most of its perks. Many of those who previously had the economic stability to collect coins probably ended up selling them. This would of course have been wonderful for the society of amateur collectors, giving them an opportunity to pick up very old pieces at less than premium prices. Thus the old past time gained a new and widespread membership.

Seafaring races might come across such treasures as sunken ships. Silver coins would deteriorate rapidly, but seawater doesn't harm golden coins in the least. Single coins might be found almost anywhere, having fallen from a pocket or a pouch. These are a few ways ordinary citizens might start a coin collection. In general, the average Aelyrian probably thinks a Numismatist is touched in the head, but everyone dreams of getting that Alyssan Crown in their change at the local market.