She Wanted Dimes But I Could Only Pumpernickels Quiz

Answer: Caesar Augustus

Roman historian Suetonius claimed that Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus was a coin collector during his reign. Caesar Augustus gave his collected coins, including old pieces of the kings and foreign money, as Saturnalia gifts.

Answer: numismatics

Numismatics is the study of the collection of currency. Fields of numismatics include the study of the collection of coins, tokens, paper money and other forms of payment media. Historical and economic studies of money's use and development are integrated into the field of numismatics.

Answer: coins with unusual types of damage

Damaged coins usually aren't desired by collectors. Examples of damage include scratches or blemishes on the surface of the coin, dents on the rim of the coin or lack of luster or toning.

Answer: grading

The grade of a coin determines the value of a collected coins. A coin graded "Mint" is the most valuable while a coin graded as "Poor" is the least valuable.

The grade of the coin is determined using an expert certification process. This process was conceived by the American Numismatic Association to determine the condition of the coin. Coin certification services can be used to determine the grade of the coin.

Answer: moderate temperatures and low humidity

Each collectible coin should be kept in a cardboard or plastic storage container or album page. If a collector has a healthy number of coins in their collection, the collection could be put into a plastic box.

The coin collection should be put in a clean area with moderate temperatures and low humidity. Coin storage in attics and the basements are discouraged.

Answer: no

A collector should always hold the coins by its edges. The natural oils in the collector's skin will etch a fingerprint on the surface of the coin. Once the fingerprint is on the coin it's impossible to remove without further damaging the coin. The coin could also be damaged by scratching, rubbing or cutting.

For very valuable, mint coins, handling them while wearing soft gloves will prevent any fingerprints.

Answer: quarters

The 50 State Quarters Program saw the production of fifty unique state quarters by the United States Mint. Each of the fifty original quarters had a unique design for its state. Five state quarters were released annually beginning in 1999 based on the order of admission to the United States.

Answer: A proof coin

A proof coin is very sought after coin by collectors. The coin is treated or "proofed" with a polishing dye to produce a glazed finish. Each proof coin comes with an official Certificate of Authenticity and is encased in a protective container.

Answer: bullion coins

A bullion coin is a coin made from precious metals such as gold, silver or platinum. Bullion coins are usually collected as an investment.

Answer: challenge coins

Challenge coins are coins which contain a military organization's insignia or emblem. This tradition was started by the Roman Empire. They rewarded the successes of their soldiers by presenting them with coins.

This tradition has been used by countries such as Canada, Australia, Switzerland, England and New Zealand. Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama have collections of challenge coins presented to them by members of the military.