The strict meaning of Numismatics is defined as the scientific analysis of coinage throughout history. The word "Numismatics" is is derived from the Greek word "nomisma", i.e. coin - the science of coins and money as well as their history. This often involved entensive research and cross references because the earliest coins do not have any dates. for example, the Roman coins, the gold fanams, Chinese Coinage. However, in the 1990s, the term "Numismatic" also extend to the "the study or collecting of coins, medals, paper money" and not just coinage. In today's context, the term numismatist has been used to mean generally anybody who is really serious about their coin collecting. In another word - a coin collector.

The next word to take note of is "Numismatist" which is actually defined as a scholar who studies the science of Numismatics. For example, take a look at the book "The Story of British Coinage" by Peter Seaby and you can see the passion and dedication that he has put into the research, cataloging and photographing coins and explaining the historical events, from the earliest coins found in Britain - the Gallo-Belgic coins, gold slaters and traced it all the way to the modern coins. It is very extensive and insightful.

The community of coin collectors has grown tremendously especially over the 15 years. It has also evolved to more than just the passion of collecting coins and studying their history. Collectors are appreciating the fact the some coins do appreciate in value over a period of time and this can be a potential form of  investment and to venture into the area of investment, you will need to do some research, read up on current trends, buy reference books and magazines and joining online forum to know what is happening in the numismatic area. Depending of the geographical locations, the "Red Book" is the standard guide book in American for US coinages. In South East Asia, one of the popular reference is the "Standard Catalogue of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei". Another must have is "Standard Catalogue of World Coins" by Krausse. It has references from 16th to modern coinages. It is very comprehesive as it has photographs of almost every coins that existed.

If you are interested about collecting coins, start with something that you can afford and you must also have the passion. One easy way to start is "Modern Day" issued coins which are easily obtainable. In the US, they started with the Statehood Quarters program which was highly successful in encouraging people to pick up the hobby. You must read up relevant articles and continue to build up the knowledge.

My interest lies in Colonial, American and South East Asia. I have invested much in books and magazines. It's the passion.

On the topic of investment, one example is the 2001-D American Buffalo Silver Dollar. The original release price was $32 for a raw uncirculated coin was the proof cost $37 in 2001. Today, the price has more than tripled. A slabbed 2001-D American Buffalo Silver Dollar graded MS70 by PCGS can fetch above $1000. I have one of the raw Buffalo 2001-d