Before Americans toss out the use of coins in everyday transactions, numismatic scholars want people to know how important coins really are.

An example of that is the discovery of an ancient kingdom traced through the study of old coins, as detailed in a new book called, "Lost World of The Golden King - in search of Ancient Afghanistan," by University of Houston history professor Frank L. Holt.

"Coins are a historical document," said RyAnne Scott, communications coordinator for the American Numismatics Association. Yes, numismatics is a difficult word to pronounce and according to the dictionary it is the collection or study of money, both in coins as well as paper notes.

"If there is not a lot of surviving artifacts, coins can tell a great deal about the culture that produced it," Scott said.

Holt is a Hellenistic scholar who has written three other books all focused on the rediscovery of the ancient world, especially in remote places often neglected and forgotten. In his most recent book, "Lost World of The Golden King," Holt was able to locate the ancient civilization of Bactria in what is now part of Afghanistan.

Despite the current violence and upheaval that presently scars that part of the world, Professor Holt got his research done. He sheds light on the fact that for centuries Bactria was a center of culture and commerce.

"I am acquainted with Frank's other book, "Into the Land of Bones, Alexander The Great in Afghanistan," said ANA Museum curator Douglas Mudd. "I am also familiar with the ancient kingdom of Bactria, it is very interesting because it is part of Alexander The Great's conquest," said Mudd.

To read the complete article, see:A Hoard of Coins Leads History Professor to Lost Ancient Kingdom(www.digitaljournal.com/article/344690)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:NEW BOOK: IN SEARCH OF ANCIENT AFGHANISTAN(www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v15n43a06.html)