The branch of science dealing with the study or collection of coins, banknotes and medals is known as

Numismatics is the study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money and related objects.

While numismatists are often characterised as students or collectors of coins, the discipline also includes the broader study of money and other payment media used to resolve debts and the exchange of goods.

Early money used by people is referred to as "Odd and Curious", but the use of other goods in barter exchange is excluded, even where used as a circulating currency (e.g., cigarettes in prison).

As an example, the Kyrgyz people used horses as the principal currency unit and gave small change in lambskins;the lambskins may be suitable for numismatic study, but the horses are not.