Archive: People and Markets
How Two Fraudsters Almost Changed England’s History
Two English metal detectorists attempted to sell off some illegally excavated coins. In a police operation straight out of a movie, the pair were caught and have now been sentenced. The seized coins present England’s King Alfred the Great in a totally different light.
Vatican Plans a Comeback: New Online Shop Launches in July
This move has nothing to do with the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV but has been in preparation for months: Starting in July 2025, the Vatican will resume sales of its philatelic and numismatic products.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Gold at Record Highs: Melt Down or Preserve Historic Gold Coins?
Gold is now more expensive than ever. This trend has put many collectors and dealers in a moral dilemma: Which gold coins can be sold or melted down without hesitation, and where do the real treasures lie?

Coloured Metal from Austria: Niobium Coins
In 2003, the Austrian Mint introduced a new metal with exciting characteristics to the world of coins: niobium. The beginning of a success story.
There’s a Lot Going on at Swissmint!
A new website, a new online shop, a new layout for its customer magazine – these are just some of the innovations Swissmint has in store for us. The mint has changed profoundly over the past two years. Ursula Kampmann explains how.
Increasing Prices for German Coin Sets: Is This The End of Proof Coin Collecting?
Official coin sets – for many coin collectors, these issues are an essential part of a complete collection. The number of produced sets, however, has been diminishing significantly for years, and a huge price adjustment could now deter collectors even further.