Epigraphy vs. Numismatics — What's the Difference?

Epigraphy (Ancient Greek: ἐπιγραφή, "inscription") is the study of inscriptions, or epigraphs, as writing; it is the science of identifying graphemes, clarifying their meanings, classifying their uses according to dates and cultural contexts, and drawing conclusions about the writing and the writers. Specifically excluded from epigraphy are the historical significance of an epigraph as a document and the artistic value of a literary composition.

Numismatics is the study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money, medals and related objects. While numismatists are often characterized 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.

Inscriptions considered as a group.

The study or collection of coins, banknotes, and medals.

The study of inscriptions.

(used with a sing. verb) The study or collection of money, coins, and often medals.

Decipherment, especially of ancient inscriptions.

The study of coins, tokens, medals and paper money

Inscriptions collectively.

The study of coins

The study or decipherment of inscriptions, especially of ancient ones.

The collecting of coins, tokens, medals and paper money

The science of inscriptions; the art of engraving inscriptions or of deciphering them.

The collecting of coins

The study of ancient inscriptions

The science of coins and medals.

The collection and study of money (and coins in particular)