Coin collecting dates back to ancient times and is one of the oldest pastimes on record. Roman Emperor Augustus liked to give inspiringly designed coins to his friends.
Coin collecting has been a popular hobby for many great and well-known figures throughout history. King George III and at least three U.S Presidents in Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams and Franklin Delano Roosevelt were all known to have had an active interest in coin collecting. In fact, John Quincy Adams, serving president from 1825 to 1829, collected and studied coins and used his knowledge to guide the direction of early American currency.
From about the 15th century onward, coin collecting was mostly reserved for kings and statesmen who employed specialists to scout Europe and Asia for coins of significance and beauty.
Numismatic research was encouraged by nobilities and a major trade in coins was encouraged by mass excavations of ancient sites. King Louis XIV of France kept a large collection that he actively tended to each day.
The Victorian years saw the creation of many numismatic societies and from there came an entire industry of dealerships and enthusiast magazines to support the hobby. By the 21st century, coins were an accepted form of investment and gold and silver coins have become a stable point of investment in uncertain economies.
Today’s hobbyists, just like Augustus, still treasure coins for historical merit and the immense sense of achievement. Source
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