La "Numismatics" deals with a variety of aspects related to coins, which concern their history and geography, but also the study of metals and economic aspects. The word "numismatics"- which derives from the Latin"numism "- is the scientific study of money. Currently, when we talk about numismatics, we also tend to designate coin collecting, an activity that is attracting more and more interest even among the youngest. We talked with Pierpaolo Irpino, a numismatic expert from Salerno born in 1971, who graduated in law after classical studies.
Thanks to the family collection, he became passionate about classic and modern coins from a very young age, with a keen eye on local mints. Irpino becomes numismatic expert at the Chamber of Commerce and subsequently CTU at the Court of Salerno. Furthermore, he has been collaborating for years with the national catalog of Italian coins Giant. He directs the series of numismatic studies The Tornese, on behalf of D'Amico Editore.
Italian coins and the analysis of minting
The major numismatic method useful for the reconstruction of the minting sequence is the analysis of the coins, which undergo wear at different times. The coin is each of the two metal pieces used to strike the sides of a coin. Each coin is made up of one minting of anvil (lower minting) and a hammer minting (higher minting). In addition to the analysis of the minting, other methods to establish the chronology of each coinage or the contemporaneity of these, are the study of the typology and the analysis of the style.
Pierpaolo how did your passion for the study of coins born?
My passion was born thanks to the family collections. The first coins that fascinated me were two. A mint coin of Paestum and a 8 Royals, The famous "Piece of 8" of pirates ". I challenge any child not to fall in love with it.
Do you deal with Italian or even foreign coins?
My area of interest is very broad. For passion and subsequently for work, I have always looked at coins as a transversal object, which overcomes barriers, borders, values. All coins tell a people, a story, a moment. I would not be able to relegate an interest to just a few sectors.
Italy and Numismatics enthusiasts
In Italy, what percentage do we have of Numismatics enthusiasts?
In Italy there is a great ferment, especially among young people. Collectors both elderly, mature and young and very young, fill the conferences and trade fairs of the sector. The sales figures for cataloging texts are satisfactory and the market in the Italian and international auctions it is absolutely alive and dizzying uphill. The reasons are obviously the passion, but also the medium and long-term investment. To the question asked, the answer should be “Much more than imagined”.
On some internet sites there are advertisements of coins for sale at even huge sums. This is justified in their description, by 'minting errors' or other similar characteristics present on the coin. Can you help us understand the reliability of these ads?
Very often all these articles are just gods Clickbait, where the user clicks for the sensational title. This feeds the payment that advertising companies make to the author of the article for each view. Unfortunately, it is Fake News created with the sole intention of earning, as written above, a few clicks / cents.
Coins and minting errors
What exactly does 'minting errors' mean and what are they?
What is called a coin "error" is an unexpected flaw, which can happen in the design phase. Or during the preparation phase of the metal or during that of the minting stroke. It can be one poorly designed coin such as 500 Lire caravels in which there were flags against the wind. Or during the preparation phase of the metal round (when there are marginal or important physical defects). Or even during the minting phase like the 500 Lire from 1974, which when cut bears the legend “REPUB ALIANA BLICA IT” instead of “ITALIAN REPUBLIC”. These are examples of modern coins.
Coins that have been in circulation and show scratches and nicks, do they lose their economic value?
Some coins, such as the Neapolitan silver ones of the 1700s and 1800s, came out of the mint after receiving a series of filings to bring their weight back to the correct one, therefore they do not significantly affect their value. But apart from these cases, obviously scratches, especially resulting from cleaning, blows, dents or signs of circulation, have a decisive impact on the value of the coins, which depends, I remember, on rarity but above all on conservation.
Italian coins to collect and Numismatics
What are some nice Italian coins to collect currently, even those of not much value?
Among the Italians (excluding commemorative euros), we have fantastic coins. Without going so far back in time to our pre-unification states (which have minted incredibly attractive coins), and remaining on affordable figures, I suggest among the coins of the Kingdom of Italy, the 20 Lire of 1927 "Littore" or the series of the fiftieth anniversary of Kingdom of Italy in 1911. As well as a simple 5 Lire silver shield of Vittorio Emanuele can give the right satisfaction to the collector who starts this wonderful hobby.
Conservation of coins
How can a coin be restored by listing in small steps?
Restoration is a very delicate subject that must be left to professionals in the sector. A clean or badly washed coin can lose up to 95% of its value. The phases are in any case multiple. It always starts with degreasing the coin and eliminating its grease and dirt, keeping the patina intact. We then proceed to a phase of mechanical removal of encrustations and sediments. Finally, the coin is protected with products that prevent its structural deterioration and its surface. But I repeat: let only a professional do the work, most of the time to save a coin, just refrain from touching it.
Photo source: Pierpaolo Irpino ©
