Old World Coins

Numismatics is the scientific study of currencycigarettes). The Kyrgyz people used horses as
and its history in all its varied forms. Whilethe principal currency unit and gave small change
numismatists are often characterized as studentsin lambskins. The lambskins may be suitable for
or collectors of coins, the discipline also includes anumismatic study, but the horse is not. Many
much larger study of payment media used toobjects have been used for centuries, such as
resolve debts and the exchange of goods. Lackingconch shells, precious metals and gems.
a structured monetary system, people in the pastToday, most transactions take place by a form
as well as some today lived in a barter societyof payment with either inherent, standardized or
and used locally found items of inherent or impliedcredit value. Numismatic value may be used to
value. Early money used by primitive people isrefer to the value in excess of the monetary
referred to as "Odd and Curious," but the use ofvalue conferred by law. This is also known as the
other goods in barter exchange is excluded, even"collector's value.
where used as a circulating currency (e.g., prison