Coin collectors are generally called numismatists. The term "numismatist" refers to someone who studies or collects coins, currency, tokens, and related items. Numismatics is the broader field encompassing the study of money's history, artistry, and cultural significance, beyond just collecting coins

. While the terms "coin collector" and "numismatist" are often used interchangeably, there is a distinction:

• A coin collector typically collects coins as a hobby or investment without necessarily studying them in depth.
• A numismatist approaches coin collecting with a scholarly interest, focusing on the historical, artistic, and social context of coins. Numismatists often have expert knowledge and may publish research or specialize in specific types of coins

In summary, all numismatists are coin collectors, but not all coin collectors are numismatists. The word "numismatist" originates from the Latin numisma , meaning "coin" or "currency," and was coined in the late 18th century