People and markets
50,000 visitors: The Munich Show is adding a numismatics section
Coin dealers envy the Munich Show, which draws 50,000 visitors for minerals, fossils, and more. Now the event is adding a numismatic section.
read more at our partner SIXBID
Child of his time: On the death of Anton “Toni” Tkalec (1948-2026)
Anton Tkalec died in Vienna in early February. Though long surrounded by scandal over the Seuso affair, his role was never proven. Friends remembered him as warm and generous. Who was he?
read more at our partner SIXBID
Come to think of it
The end for Berlin’s Institute of Archaeology?
Humboldt University says the Institute of Archaeology must be restructured due to budget cuts, affecting numismatics seminars too. Is this closure a sign of the times?
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 end for Berlin’s Institute of Archaeology?
Humboldt University says the Institute of Archaeology must be restructured due to budget cuts, affecting numismatics seminars too. Is this closure a sign of the times?
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
Coins, Medals and more

Kumaragupta and the Rhinoceros
While Rome struggled in the West, Gupta culture flourished in northern India. Their coins rival Rome’s. Here is a coin of Kumaragupta, the rhino slayer.read more at our partner SIXBID

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
Archive
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.
Münster, Osnabrück, Passau and the Counts of Lamberg
Münster, Osnabrück and Passau: How are these places related to the Counts of Lamberg? We use coins from Künker’s auction 424 to illustrate how noble families in the Holy Roman Empire climbed the social ladder in early modern times, and explain the reasons for and the consequences of such ascents.
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.
Münster, Osnabrück, Passau and the Counts of Lamberg
Münster, Osnabrück and Passau: How are these places related to the Counts of Lamberg? We use coins from Künker’s auction 424 to illustrate how noble families in the Holy Roman Empire climbed the social ladder in early modern times, and explain the reasons for and the consequences of such ascents.
On the road
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
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
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
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
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











































50,000 visitors: The Munich Show is adding a numismatics section
Coin dealers envy the Munich Show, which draws 50,000 visitors for minerals, fossils, and more. Now the event is adding a numismatic section.
read more at our partner SIXBID
Child of his time: On the death of Anton “Toni” Tkalec (1948-2026)
Anton Tkalec died in Vienna in early February. Though long surrounded by scandal over the Seuso affair, his role was never proven. Friends remembered him as warm and generous. Who was he?
read more at our partner SIXBID