The Numismatist contains articles written on such topics as coins, tokens, medals, paper money, and stock certificates.

The inaugural issue was a four-page leaflet originally published in 1888 by collector Dr. George F. Heath in Monroe, Michigan, as The American Numismatist, in which he listed coins he wanted to purchase, advertised duplicates for sale, and discussed various topics.

The name was purchased by the American Numismatic Association many years later when the organization began to print a monthly publication for the benefit of its members.

In November 2023, the Association launched an online publication, The Reading Room, described as "tailor-made for the tech generation".

In October 2019, Barnes & Noble announced that The Numismatist would be sold at over 600 stores nation-wide to increase circulation.