This episode of the CoinWeek Podcast is brought to you by PCGS. The official grading company of the world-famous Tyrant Collection, perhaps the most expensive coin collection ever built. Where will the Tyrant Collection make its next appearance? A bird on my shoulder tells me perhaps the summer ANA. Earlier installations of the Tyrant coins have been breathtaking to behold. Will you come and see the collection for yourself? To learn more about PCGS current grading specials and programs, visit www.pcgs.com.The study of coins and non-coin objects- numismatics- traces its roots back to the ancient world and began with a study of non-current coins and medals, many pulled from the ground and brought to local experts and historians. Originally an academic pursuit, a branch of numismatics morphed into today’s hobby of coin collecting. CoinWeek Ancients writer Mike Markowitz takes us back in time to discuss the birth of our favorite hobby.