Numismatic Miniatures from the North: Part 1 – The Stolen Crowns of Strängnäs

Strängnäs, July 31, 2018. Thieves have run off with two crowns and an orb. These are unique relics of Swedish history that represent the nation’s conversion to Protestantism. Of course, we went to see them on our journey to the North.

Online compendium makes medieval texts accessible

From Europe to Asia, from AD 600-1600 – that is the range the “Global Medieval Sourcebook” spans. Stanford University’s free online tool offers transcriptions as well as new English translations of written sources in a variety of genres.

Stockholm: Lawsuit against Royal Coin Cabinet thief

In April we had to report that at least 1,200 objects worth the equivalent of 2.6 million euros had disappeared from the Stockholm Royal Coin Cabinet. A perpetrator is now standing trial. A second one is the subject of ongoing investigations.

The Design of the Circulation Euro Coins: Italy – 1 Cent – Castel del Monte

The euro coins are a splendid means for all countries in the eurozone to convey their own self-conception. Why did the Italians choose to depict solely works of art on their euro coins? And how important a role does famous Castel del Monte, built by Frederick II, play in Italian national identity?

Ball Games in Ancient Mexico

Only three days to go until the 2014 FIFA World Cup final. The players of the victorious team will become national heroes. The losers, on the other hand, will travel home, defeated, yet considerably richer than when they arrived at Brazil. They face a much happier fate than the players of the Mayan ball games.

Switzerland’s Most Precious Coins

From 2 to 12 May 2017, the international auction house Rapp, with Chaponnière & Firmenich SA, will present L’EXCELLENCE SUISSE in Wil. Exhibiting the most rare coins, it tells the story of Switzerland’s coins and documents the creation of the Swiss Franc.