Coins DIG

Coin collecting guides are found in many resource materials such as books, magazines, catalogs, web sites, and various discussion forums. Millions of people around the world are fascinated with coin collecting. Some are enthusiastic amateur hobbyists, while others are seasoned and serious coin collectors. A whole industry, and even lifestyle, revolves around collecting coins.

There are collectors, buyers and dealers of coins, coin supplies providers, and even brokers. From this love of collecting coins sprung the numismatics, or simply put, the collection and study of coins, money bills, medals, and tokens. Many collectors see these precious coins as things of beauty, others see it as another interesting source of history and culture, and a few see it as a form of investment. Whatever its worth to a person, coin collection is serious business.

But where did it all start? When did people first discover and made use of round, metallic things in their everyday lives which became objects of obsession for many? Numismatic history in any part of world is a vivid and enduring reflection of the milestones in a country's economic and political advancement, according to coin collection guide books and materials.

In the early part of the dawn of time, money, as used presently, was unheard of and was virtually unknown. People practiced the exchange of goods-one commodity for another. This system is also known as barter trade. Barter was practiced everywhere-from China in Asia to Greece and Rome. Coin collecting guides site these materials that were commonly used for bartering: gold, silver wires or strings, cotton, small shells, metal bells, and even wax.

In Asia, the early forms of "coins" are seashells which became a transition other metal-like objects. Some coin collecting guides point out that the first coins were produced as decreed by the king of Lydia, Croesus, to guarantee their weight and fineness. Soon enough, the barter system was modified to suit the needs of the ancient peoples. Goods were swapped for carefully weighed gold or silver. These early coins became a standard weight in precious metals. The Greeks, on the other hand, started the trend of etching designs on the surface of the metals. The popular designs were gods and goddesses, as well as mythical creatures and heroes.

The Renaissance Period saw a revival of interest in Greek and Roman histories and cultures. Along with it, the precious coins minted during those times. The first avid coin collector and enthusiast who brought attention to coin collecting is Francesco Petrarca. An Italian poet and scholar who lived in the 14th century, Petrarca is said to be the most famous coin collector during his time, according to some coin collecting guides.

In fact, the passion to collect coins spread to other class of people, not just scholars and artist. The expensive hobby also became popular with popes during the Renaissance. It was also known as "The Hobby of Kings" because famous kings were said to be serious coin collectors. These were Louis XIV of France, Ferdinand I, and Henry IV of France.

Source: ezinearticles.com