SOUTHAMPTON, Pa. – Numismatics, the study and collecting of coins, is a hobby with noble origins almost as old as the money itself. What sets coins apart from many other types of collectibles is that they have intrinsic value based on the precious metals they contain. Through good economic times and bad, gold and silver coins have been touted as a solid alternative investment to the sometimes-volatile stock market. Gold and silver coins may also be the ultimate holiday stocking stuffers, both for adults and children – no one ever returns a precious coin.