Archive: People and Markets
The British Museum: When Theft Becomes PR
Once again, the BM made negative headlines: Ilé Sartuzi stole a coin unnoticed during a hands-on tour and declared this an artistic performance. A commentary by Ursula Kampmann.
Further Thefts at Royal Coin Cabinet Brought to Trial
The systematic thefts at the Royal Coin Cabinet in Stockholm were not committed by one single person. Another employee helped himself to some objects. At present, prosecutors are trying to prove the man stole coins worth more than 3.8 million Swedish kronor, including a Russian family ruble which sold for 510,000 SEK in 2009.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Charles I of Austria-Hungary: A Hapless Emperor Who Was Beatified
In the context of its Summer Auction Sales, Künker will offer the only gold coin of the last Austro-Hungarian Emperor that is available on the market. Johannes Nollé tells the story of this coin and its commissioner, who died in Madeira aged only 35.

The First Years of Czechoslovak Coinage
SINCONA will auction off an impressive collection of Czechoslovak patterns. The offer includes a pattern for the Wenceslas Ducat of which only two specimens exist. Moreover, the sale features the very specimen of the Wenceslas Ducat that President Mazaryk gave to the family of the murdered Finance Minister Rašín.











The Cape Mint: The Oldest Private Mint in South Africa
Did you think the South African Mint was the only mint in South Africa? That’s not true. In the heart of Cape Town, a small private mint fulfills all customer needs. I was privileged to visit the Cape Mint and met people there who take great pride in their work.
Next Week, It’s Time for the Coin Conference 2024!
From 28 to 30 October, the central banks and mints will meet in Lisbon to discuss the challenges the coin sector faces today. Ursula Kampmann will also be there. She’s responsible for a workshop on “Commemorative Coins for an International and a Domestic Market.”