9705.31.00 - Of an age exceeding 100 years

This HTS category, 9705.31.00, specifically classifies collections and collectors' pieces of numismatic interest that are "of an age exceeding 100 years." This encompasses a broad range of items valued for their historical and cultural significance as currency or coinage, dating back to before the 20th century. Examples include antique coins, medals, tokens, and paper money that meet the age requirement, irrespective of their material composition or origin, as long as they possess numismatic value.

This classification is distinguished from its sibling category, 9705.39.00 "Other," by the explicit age criterion. While the "Other" category would capture numismatic items that do not meet the "exceeding 100 years" threshold, this specific classification isolates older and typically more historically significant numismatic collections. This distinction is crucial for applying specific trade regulations and valuation methods that may differ based on the antiquity of the numismatic item.

The subcategories under 9705.31.00 further refine the classification of these ancient numismatic items. Specifically, 9705.31.00.01 addresses "Coins made prior to the 14th century and not known to be the direct products of excavations, finds or archaeological sites." This highlights a further level of specificity based on the chronological origin and provenance of the coin, distinguishing those from the medieval period and earlier from other numismatic items exceeding 100 years but not meeting this earlier cut-off or having a different discovery context.