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Exonumia – (ˌɛksəʊˈnjuːmɪə, ˌɛksəʊˈnuːmɪə) plural noun – any non-monetary object of interest to numismatists, such as B. medals, tokens, etc.

Exonumia refers to the study and collection of numismatic items that do not fall within the realm of traditional coins, paper money, and bullion. This includes a range of objects such as tokens, medals , badges, and even travel tickets – basically any “money-like” or “coin-like” objects that are not legal tender. Deriving from the classical Greek word “exo” meaning “outside” and “nummus” meaning “coin”, the term gets to the heart of the subject: items that are “outside of coins” or beyond the standard currency.

In the field of numismatics, exonumia are a specialty that offers collectors rich opportunities to delve into unique, often overlooked aspects of economic, social and cultural history. Because these pieces are not usually intended for general circulation, they are often limited or commemorative, making them very interesting for their rarity and historical significance.

Types of Exonumia :

Tokens of value : These are coin-like items that have historically been used in place of legal tender for specific purposes, e.g. B. in transport (bus or subway coins) or in private facilities such as arcades or casinos.
Medals : These are typically awarded for achievement, merit, or commemoration. They have no monetary value, but are often made of precious metals and feature intricate designs.
Badges and Pins : These items are often associated with specific organizations, events, or causes. For example, a political campaign may issue badges featuring a candidate’s likeness.
Commemorative Items : These are items used to celebrate specific events, milestones, or anniversaries. They can range from coins to unique items like plaques or special tokens.
Coupons (Scrip) : These are substitute currencies often issued by businesses to workers. They were especially prevalent in coal towns and other corporate-controlled environments.
Love Tokens : These are usually coins that have been flattened on one or both sides and then engraved, often with the initials or names of loved ones.
Souvenir Medal (Elongated coin) : These are coins that have been machined to create a miniature work of art. They can be found as souvenirs at tourist attractions.
Train Tickets : Old train or subway tickets, for example, can count as exonumia if they were intended as collectibles or if they have since acquired historical significance.

What is the difference between collecting Exonumia and collecting numismatic items?

Although both are forms of numismatic collecting, Exonumia and traditional money should not be viewed as identical activities. For one thing, conventional currencies or numismatic coins usually have an intrinsic monetary value, either because of their face value or because of the precious metals they contain. In contrast, Exonumia items often have no such guaranteed monetary value and, unlike gold bullion, are not subject to metal content regulations.

Second, in a broader context, Exonumia items may not have significant monetary value. Theme park tokens, for example, don’t typically garner the same interest from collectors and historians as rare Civil War-era currencies. As such, collectors of Exonumia typically collect items for personal gratification and interest. This allows for a more personal collection, offering a level of individuality not common in traditional fundraising.

Exonumia offer an unconventional look at aspects of history and culture that might not be immediately apparent when looking at regular currencies. Collectors often find great joy in the detective work required to uncover the stories behind these items, as they can offer unique insights into the zeitgeist of specific times and places. Whether it’s a World’s Fair medal, a Civil War coin, or an old arcade coin, every item has a story to tell, and that’s what makes the territory of Exonumia so fascinating.