People and markets

Phil Skingley (1972-2026)

Philip Skingley was the epitome of a British gentleman—always polite and friendly, a tireless, knowledgeable numismatist who shunned the limelight. He died unexpectedly on February 4, 2026.
read more at our partner SIXBID

Podcast Greysheet at the World Money Fair 2026

Since last year, the Greysheet Podcast has been bringing American investors and European numismatics closer together. John Feigenbaum and Ursula Kampmann report live from the World Money Fair.
read more at our partner SIXBID

Phil Skingley (1972-2026)

Philip Skingley was the epitome of a British gentleman—always polite and friendly, a tireless, knowledgeable numismatist who shunned the limelight. He died unexpectedly on February 4, 2026.
read more at our partner SIXBID

Podcast Greysheet at the World Money Fair 2026

Since last year, the Greysheet Podcast has been bringing American investors and European numismatics closer together. John Feigenbaum and Ursula Kampmann report live from the World Money Fair.
read more at our partner SIXBID

Come to think of it

Paul Hollis: US Mint Director in controversial times

It’s every coin collector’s dream: a coin enthusiast becomes director of the US Mint. But dealer Paul Hollis will need diplomatic skills, as coin designs are highly controversial.
read more at our partner SIXBID

The BdDM as watchdog: More than 50,000 counterfeits exposed on eBay

Counterfeiting is a major problem, especially on online platforms. eBay is aware of this and hopes that the community will clean up its own act. The BdDM supports eBay in its fight.
read more at our partner SIXBID

Paul Hollis: US Mint Director in controversial times

It’s every coin collector’s dream: a coin enthusiast becomes director of the US Mint. But dealer Paul Hollis will need diplomatic skills, as coin designs are highly controversial.
read more at our partner SIXBID

The BdDM as watchdog: More than 50,000 counterfeits exposed on eBay

Counterfeiting is a major problem, especially on online platforms. eBay is aware of this and hopes that the community will clean up its own act. The BdDM supports eBay in its fight.
read more at our partner SIXBID

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Coins, Medals and more

750,000 CHF for the First Sovereign

A royal edict of October 28, 1489, introduced the sovereign, a new English gold coin. A premier first-generation example has just sold at auction for 750,000 CHF.
read more at our partner SIXBID

Kill the profiteers!

In the 19th century, the German Peasants' War was seen as purely religious, while communists stressed its economic causes—an interpretation now considered correct.
read more at our partner SIXBID

Archive

Frederick III of Denmark and Eben Ezer

SINCONA’s Auctions 92 to 95 will take place from 21 to 25 October 2024. This article introduces one of the many rarities up for sale: a so-called “Ebenezer” coin from Denmark. The 4-Ducat piece is extremely rare and of great historical interest.

For Railroad Fans: The Suram Tunnel

Railroad history is linked to numismatics in many ways. Fascinating large-scale projects were often celebrated with medals and commemorative coins. Our example takes us to Georgia: A medal that will be offered for auction by Künker commemorates the opening of the Suram Tunnel.

Carl Theodor in Bavaria: The Old Nobility Takes Up a New Role

In the context of Künker’s phaleristic sale at the end of October, the Osnabrück auction house will present orders from the estate of Carl Theodor Duke in Bavaria. Carl Theodor is one of the most interesting figures of Bavarian history. In contrast to his famous sister Sisi, he managed to live a fulfilled and self-determined life – as an eye specialist.

Franz Joseph und Sisi, gemalt von Franz Xaver Winterhalter. Davor Rückseite der Hochzeitsmedaille aus dem offiziellen Erinnerungs-Set, aus Auktion Künker 415 (28. Oktober 2024), Nr. 361.

Sisi and Franz: Commemorating the Dream Wedding that Was Actually a Nightmare

As part of the phaleristic auction 415 on 28 October 2024, Künker will be auctioning the set of gold medals that Emperor Franz Joseph presented to his father-in-law, Duke Maximilian Joseph in Bavaria. It is the numismatic souvenir of a wedding that turned out to be a nightmare for his daughter – young Elisabeth, who is better known as Sissi or Sisi today.

On the road

Where Minting of Commemorative Coins was Revolutionized

Have you noticed that most of our commemorative coins today have a much higher relief than they used to? Find out why here.
read more at our partner SIXBID

A visit to Heritage Auctions

Join us as we delve into the world of Heritage Auctions – the world’s largest auction house, where rare treasures, exciting stories and records are just a hammer blow away.
read more at our partner SIXBID

Where Minting of Commemorative Coins was Revolutionized

Have you noticed that most of our commemorative coins today have a much higher relief than they used to? Find out why here.
read more at our partner SIXBID

Who is who

Fun

Franklin’s World:

Good to know

What is an estimate?

Do today’s coin dealers have no idea about the value of a coin? Or why is it that their estimates have nothing to do with the surcharges? Ursula Kampmann explains.
read more at our partner SIXBID

What is money?

What exactly is money? It seems obvious. There are coins, banknotes, credit cards – wait, a credit card isn’t money, it’s just a means of transferring money, just like a cheque or an early modern bill of exchange. So what is it then? What functions must money fulfil in order to function as money?
read more at our partner SIXBID

Where Minting of Commemorative Coins was Revolutionized

Have you noticed that most of our commemorative coins today have a much higher relief than they used to? Find out why here.
read more at our partner SIXBID