What is numismatics?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Numismatics is the study and collection of coins, banknotes, tokens and medals, with an interest in their history, artistry and rarity as much as their monetary value. In jewellery, the connection appears in coin-set pieces, where genuine ancient or antique coins are mounted as pendants, rings or brooches, and in pieces inspired by coin imagery, such as coin-motif pendants. Collecting ancient gold or silver coins in jewellery settings has been fashionable since the Renaissance, when scholars and aristocrats wore ancient coins as signs of culture and historical interest.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a coin jewellery piece?
- Coin jewellery uses a genuine coin as the centrepiece of a piece, set into a bezel or mounted as a pendant. Ancient Roman, Greek and Byzantine gold coins are among the most desirable, and some houses specialise in mounting authenticated coins in fine settings.
- Is it legal to make jewellery from coins?
- This varies by country and by the age of the coin. In Australia, defacing or altering current legal tender coins is generally prohibited, but antique and foreign coins are commonly used in jewellery without legal issue. Always check local regulations if in doubt.
- What is the numismatic value of a coin?
- Numismatic value is what a coin is worth to a collector, based on rarity, condition, historical significance and demand, and it is usually separate from, and often much higher than, the coin's face value or intrinsic metal value.
Designing a ring
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Tell us what you have in mind, even if it is only a budget and a piece of jewellery type, and we will help you weigh up the options. We reply to every enquiry, usually within one business day.
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