Archive: People and Markets
Researchers Analyse the Myth About the Massive Illicit Trade in Antiquities
An extensive new study shows that the scale of the illicit trade in antiquities is much smaller than activists claim. The study demonstrates how these false numbers came about, and how we actually should deal with the problem of the illicit trade in antiquities.
Pop Culture & Coins Unite! The National Coin Week 2025
What do Homer Simpson, the Olympic games, Elvis Presley, and Superman have in common? They’ve all been featured, or will soon be featured, on coins. This year’s annual National Coin Week, April 20-26, 2025, explores the fascinating ways pop culture influences money.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Switzerland’s Special Coin 200 Years Swiss Shooting Sport Federation Hits the Bull’s Eye
What do you think of when you hear “Switzerland” and “shooting”? Do you think of shooting talers, William Tell, and/or the Swiss Federal Shooting Competition? Vito Noto told Ursula Kampmann what came to mind when he created the design for the newest Swissmint coin.

The Turks, the Bohemian Estates and Two Gnadenpfennigs by Ferdinand I
SINCONA’s spring auction will be held from 13 to 15 May 2024. Among other highlights, two extremely rare gold gnadenpfennigs by Ferdinand I are on offer. The multiple coins with a weight of 10 and 15 gold gulden are among the great treasures of Habsburg numismatics. We share their story.
The Eggenberg Family and the Power of Money
In a new exhibition of the Coin Cabinet at Eggenberg Palace (Graz, Austria) the rise, splendour and decline of the Eggenberg dynasty are presented using their coins. In addition, examples of the diversity of coinage in the Holy Roman Empire in the 17th century are presented.
What the Second Trump Administration Might Mean for Collectors
What does Donald Trump’s return to the White House mean for collectors in the USA? Will the new Administration help “Make Collecting Great Again” or will it be anti-collecting business as usual at the State Department and other government agencies? Predictions are always perilous to make, but Peter Tompa has dared to make some nonetheless.