People and markets

The female coin designers at Swissmint

A once male-dominated field is becoming more diverse, with more coin designs now created by women. Fabia Lyrenmann and Anouk Röthlisberger have been designing coins for Swissmint since 2024 and 2025
read more at our partner SIXBID

News from the Vienna Numismatic Summer School

The Vienna Institute for Numismatics and Monetary History will host its 13th summer school from September 3–11, 2026, for the first time in English due to a more international student body.
read more at our partner SIXBID

The female coin designers at Swissmint

A once male-dominated field is becoming more diverse, with more coin designs now created by women. Fabia Lyrenmann and Anouk Röthlisberger have been designing coins for Swissmint since 2024 and 2025
read more at our partner SIXBID

News from the Vienna Numismatic Summer School

The Vienna Institute for Numismatics and Monetary History will host its 13th summer school from September 3–11, 2026, for the first time in English due to a more international student body.
read more at our partner SIXBID

Come to think of it

What is a Jefimok?

Countermarks on coins are a common phenomenon in numismatics. When it comes to Russian coins with countermarks or counterstamps, they are referred to as “Yefimoks.” Why?
read more at our partner SIXBID

What is a Novodel?

The Russian term “Novodel” literally means “new strike.” But is it the same as a restrike? And why do some Novodels sell for six-figure sums? What’s behind this phenomenon?
read more at our partner SIXBID

What is a Jefimok?

Countermarks on coins are a common phenomenon in numismatics. When it comes to Russian coins with countermarks or counterstamps, they are referred to as “Yefimoks.” Why?
read more at our partner SIXBID

What is a Novodel?

The Russian term “Novodel” literally means “new strike.” But is it the same as a restrike? And why do some Novodels sell for six-figure sums? What’s behind this phenomenon?
read more at our partner SIXBID

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Coins, Medals and more

Swiss marksmen in the U.S.

In 1897, Swiss marksmen held a national shooting competition. A medal from the Rod K. Moore Collection commemorates it, featuring William Tell, Helvetia, and Lady Liberty—how did it reach America?
read more at our partner SIXBID

Birds of Paradise in the German Empire

Arguably the most fine and wanted commemorative coin of the German Empire features a bird of paradise. This motif was chosen for reasons that went beyond mere aesthetics.
read more at our partner SIXBID

Archive

Maximilian: The Last Knight and / or a Bankrupt

On 3 July 2025, Künker will auction the Hermann Wohnlich Collection presenting coins and medals from Tyrol. The offer includes an impressive ensemble of representative coins of Maximilian I, which are an excellent testament to his ability to cultivate his image. The effects of this can still be felt today.

The History and Coinage of Lycia

With its clear blue water, picturesque beaches and a fascinating landscape, Lycia has won over the hearts of many people. On the occasion of Künker’s sale of the Sayar Collection, Johannes Nollé explores the history of this region on Turkey’s southern coast.

On 29 October 1888, the Russian imperial train derailed near the village of Borki. 23 people lost their lives. The tsar’s family survived. A medal commemorates the event. It will be offered by the Künker auction house on 1 February 2024.

The Borki Train Disaster

On 29 October 1888, the Russian imperial train derailed near the village of Borki. 23 people lost their lives. The tsar’s family survived. A medal commemorates the event. It will be offered by the Künker auction house on 1 February 2024.

The contents of a piggy bank from the Deutsche Mark era – a case for the Bundesbank exchange counter? Photo: Wieschowski.

Marks and Pfennigs in Your Inheritance: What Should Heirs Do with Old DM Coins?

When dealing with inheritances, it’s common for heirs to come across coins from the Deutsche Mark era –often, these Pfennigs and Marks can feel overwhelming. However, heading straight to the Bundesbank, where nearly all DM coins can be exchanged indefinitely, isn’t always the best option.

On the road

The Mercado de Monedas y Sellos on Plaza Mayor

Madrid is unique worldwide: nowhere else has hosted a coin and stamp market every Sunday for nearly a century. At around 100 stalls, collectors of all ages browse coins from ancient times to the euro.
read more at our partner SIXBID

French Reparations, the Imperial War Treasury, and the July Uprising

After the Franco-Prussian War (1870–71), France paid Germany 5 billion francs—but what became of it, and how did it shape German power? A visit to Spandau Fortress.
read more at our partner SIXBID

The Mercado de Monedas y Sellos on Plaza Mayor

Madrid is unique worldwide: nowhere else has hosted a coin and stamp market every Sunday for nearly a century. At around 100 stalls, collectors of all ages browse coins from ancient times to the euro.
read more at our partner SIXBID

Who is who

Fun

Franklin’s World:

Good to know

Selling coins and the age-old question: How do I get the most for my coins?

Consigning items for auction requires choosing the right auction house—one that gives the collection proper attention and reaches the right buyers. Commission is often a secondary consideration.
read more at our partner SIXBID

What is provenance?

Provenance: This term plays a decisive role in the coin trade today. Provenances are worth their weight in gold. The same antique coin with a proper provenance can cost several times more than it would without provenance. So what is provenance?
read more at our partner SIXBID

The Mercado de Monedas y Sellos on Plaza Mayor

Madrid is unique worldwide: nowhere else has hosted a coin and stamp market every Sunday for nearly a century. At around 100 stalls, collectors of all ages browse coins from ancient times to the euro.
read more at our partner SIXBID