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numismatics

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nu⋅mis⋅mat⋅ics

[noo-miz-mat-iks, -mis-, nyoo-]
–noun (used with a singular verb)
the study or collecting of coins, medals, paper money, etc.

Origin:
1820–30; see numismatic, -ics
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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nu·mis·mat·ics   (nōō'mĭz-māt'ĭks, -mĭs-, nyōō'-)   
n.  (used with a sing. verb) The study or collection of money, coins, and often medals.
nu·mis'ma·tist (nōō-mĭz'mə-tĭst, -mĭs'-, nyōō-) n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Main Entry:  numismatics1
Part of Speech:  n
Definition:  the study of coins and medals
Etymology:  Greek 'current coin'
Main Entry:  numismatics2
Part of Speech:  n
Definition:  the collecting of coins and medals; coin collecting
Etymology:  Greek 'current coin'
Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon
Copyright © 2003-2009 Dictionary.com, LLC
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Word Origin & History

numismatics 
1829, "study of coins," from numismatic (adj.) "of coins," borrowed 1792 from Fr. numismatique (1579), from L. numisma (gen. numismatis) "coin, currency," from Gk. nomisma "current coin," lit. "what has been sanctioned by custom or usage," from nomizein "have in use, adopt a custom," from nomos "custom, law, usage," from PIE base *nem- "to divide, distribute, allot" (see nemesis).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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