Archive: People and Markets
Your Tax Dollars at Work
Is the State Department funding a crusade against private ownership of cultural goods in the U.S.? Peter Tompa explains how taxpayer money was used to justify cultural property Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) or “emergency import restrictions.”
Life in the Roman Army: An Exhibition of the British Museum
The British Museum presents a look at one of the most famous fighting forces of all time: the Roman army. Spectacular artifacts from around the globe will be on display in London for the first time. A prominent partner has been brought on board for young visitors.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Why Are There So Many Coins Depicting Saint George?
Saint George is one of the most popular saints of the Middle Ages and the early modern period. He is venerated by both Catholic and Orthodox Christians, the Druze and even Muslims. What do we know about this saint? Did he even exist? And why are there so many coins depicting him?

Planchet Error, Overstrike, Double-Strike, Etc.: Which Errors Affect the Price of a Coin? – Part 1
The price of a coin does not only depend on its rarity and grade. There are many things that can affect a specimen’s value in a positive or negative way. This overview will help you to understand common terms, to use them confidently and to understand them in their context.
Customs Repatriation to Greece Raises Questions
U.S. Customs recently confiscated fifty-one ancient coins and repatriated them to the Greek Government. But was this act really covered by the MOU with Greece? Peter Tompa gives coin collectors some advises.
Directory of Circulating Coins – 4th Edition is Now Available
The fourth edition of the Directory of Circulating Coins has been published. Five years after the last edition, the useful reference book for current circulation coins is now up to date again.