At first coins had intrinsic value, being made themselves of valuable metals such as gold, silver or copper. Nowadays coins represent a fiat value decreed by the issuing government while their production cost is much smaller than their face value. They are now like paper currency, only more durable. Medals are coins issued not to be used as currency but usually to celebrate an occasion, be given as special recognition or reward, as a devotional religious artifact or just as kind of jewelry. Numismatics is the study and collecting of coins, medals and paper currency.
Bisac: ANT011000
Money and Sovereignty as Expressed in Gold CoinageDouglas A. Mudd & Michael FaginHistory, sovereignty, geography and money are timely topics in todays global economic marketplace. Money has attracted a major part of mankind’s attention since its invention in Asia Minor in the 7th century B.C. It has had many uses over the ages beyond its original development for purposes of long distance trade and military power. Among the most important and least studied is the use of money as a means of communication through their designs and legends. A nation’s money is often the first impression a visitor gets of the nature of a country. As such, the designs and legends placed... | ★★★★★ $19.95 to wish list |