Germany’s False Start: The Unsuccessful Imperial Election of 1849

The German Constitutional National Assembly at St Paul’s Church in Frankfurt was one of the greatest achievements of the German revolutions of 1848. On 28 March 1849, the assembly elected Frederick William IV as Emperor of a unified Germany. Too bad that he did not want to be German Emperor in the first place!

When Will France’s New Motif Be Depicted on 1 Euro Coins?

France has given its circulation coins a new look: after 20 years, a completely new motif is to replace the tree on 2 euro coins. On 1 euro coins not yet, though.

Why the Munich Marienplatz Is Called Marienplatz

Our cities have evolved through history, and every architectural detail is connected to this history. We explain why the Munich Schrannenplatz (Grain Market Square) was renamed Marienplatz (Mary’s Square), using coins that will be on offer at Künker’s 2022 January Auction Sales as illustrations.

A Festival for St Wenceslas

St Wenceslas is the central motif on Czechoslovak commemorative coins. And there is a good reason for it: in 1929, 750,000 believers celebrated the 1000th anniversary of his death. A coin series issued between 1923 and 1936 – on offer at Künker on 26 January 2022 – demonstrates how important St Wenceslas was for young Czechoslovakia.

Who Was Frederick the Wise?

We all think we know him: Frederick the Wise who hid Luther at Wartburg Castle to protect him from imperial reprisals. As part of the Köhlmoos Collection, Künker will offer some coins featuring his portrait on 26 January 2022 that help us look beyond the myth.

From Lira to Euro. Italy’s History in Coins – Part 7: The Church and Fascism

In 1929, the Vatican and Italy signed the Lateran Treaty. This international agreement was the ultimate accolade for Mussolini. The Duce dreamed of an Italian empire in Africa and around the Mediterranean Sea. However, this dream turned into a nightmare.