Like I said, the smartypants answers are always the first to arrive. In response to the usage of the term "numismatic anguish", one anonymous wag writes:

"Perhaps the term "numismatic anguish" refers to the underbidder on a 1953-S Franklin half dollar selling for $69,000. ... or maybe it refers to the successful bidder."

Bill Bischoff writes:

The word "numismatic" is used incorrectly here, due either to the Nobel author's or the translator's inadequate command of English. The word "numismatic" in the quotation may be intended for "numinous" -- meaning that the Creoles in question feared for their very Being. But hey, at least the term wasn't "philatelic!"

[Editor's note: this is the best explanation I've heard yet (it's also the only one). But it seems to make sense. You know, the word "philatelist" sounds to me like it ought to mean "one who has gas"... as in "too many philatelists in a room make me feel numinous"]