Numismatics
the science and study of the coins of all nations. In the wider though less accurate, acceptation of the term it includes also that of medals, both artistic and historical. The various branches of numismatics are (1) Greek, Phoenician, etc.; (2) Roman and Byzantine; (3) Mediæval and Modern; and (4) Oriental. The chief value of numismatics consists in the light which coins throw on history.