Coin collecting, or numismatics, was regarded as the hobby of kings because ancient coins were so valuable that only kings were capable of collecting them. This started in ancient Greece, where Caesar Augustus, who was considered the first Roman emperor, pioneered the trend by giving old and exotic coins to friends and courtiers as gifts.

Later, Italian poet Petrarch presented a collection of Roman coins to Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV. Caesar is also considered the world’s first numismatic, and the practice seemed to diminish when he died in 14 AD.

The interest in the art of ancient Greece and Rome was revived during the Renaissance when coins were coveted by Europe’s royal elite. This is how the popularity of coin collecting among popes, royalty, and nobility earned numismatics the nickname ‘hobby of kings.’

Throughout the years, up until the 18th century, numismatics remained the exclusive domain of leisurely European elites with the means to acquire and trade rare coins.

This practice is fortunately not reserved exclusively for kings and royalty anymore. Now anyone can begin their collection and experience the regal feeling of owning their very own limited edition treasures.

The South African Mint proudly mints these pristine legal tender coins that speak to the hearts of many of our local as well as international customers in different ways. The South African Mint proudly mints these pristine legal tender coins that speak to the hearts of many of our local as well as international customers in different ways.

If you are an avid collector, or you’re inspired to start your collection, click here to see our current range.