Archive: People and Markets

Following the indictment of Richard Beale, Italo Vecchi has now also been charged by the Manhattan District Attorney in a case relating to the forged provenance of what used to be the world’s most expensive ancient coin, an EID MAR aureus.

Coin Dealer Italo Vecchi Charged with Grand Larceny

Coin dealer Italo Vecchi has been indicted in Manhattan for first-degree grand larceny as well as other felonies. The charges are related to the trial against Richard Beale and the forged provenance of what used to be the world’s most expensive ancient coin.

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Manfred Dunker Honored as the Founder of Modern Coin Marketing

Manfred Dunker played a decisive role in the creation of MDM and is probably the most influential person in the history of modern commemorative coins. At the World Money Fair 2025, Samlerhuset Group paid tribute to its most important employee.

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A reconstruction of what the gold necklace probably looked like. Illustration made by archaeologist Thea Eli Gil Bell. © Theo Eli Gil Bell, The Museum of Archaeology, University of Stavanger.

Baldrs Horse: Detectorist Makes “Find of the Century” in Norway

On the Norwegian island of Rennesøy, a metal detectorist recently made an extraordinary gold find that was buried long before the Viking Age. The nine coin-like gold pendants engraved with rare horse symbols discovered along with ten gold beads and three gold rings are the first find of this kind in Norway since the 19th century.

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Bowing to a Croatian Basketball Legend

In 1993, Dražen Petrović, one of the world’s most famous basketball players, died aged only 29 years. With his ambition, hard work, reliability, and modesty, the “Mozart of Basketball” continues to inspire many of his fans to this day.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Contemporary allegory on the Great Elector Frederick William of Brandenburg.

The Great Elector, Taxes and the Rise of Prussia

On 1 February 2024, the Künker auction house will hold its 400th auction sale. Among the 770 lots are very rare issues from the reign of Frederick William of Brandenburg-Prussia. They bear witness to the achievements of the Great Elector, who brought prosperity to a realm devastated by the Thirty Years’ War.
A postcard of the 1906 Olympic Games. In front: Gilded silver medal for a winner of the 1906 Olympic Games. From Künker auction 408 (18-19 May 2024), No. 122.

The Olympic Games That Are No Longer Recognized

In 1906, the IOC and the country of Greece invited athletes from all over the world to the Olympic Games in Athens. The Games had a lasting impact on the ceremonies surrounding the sporting showdown, even though the IOC no longer recognizes these Olympics today. A winner’s medal from the Games will be auctioned by Künker on 18 June 2024.
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