Archive: People and Markets
Between Tradition and the Demands of a New Economic World
The 32nd Mint Directors Conference took place in Cape Town from April 27th to 29th, 2025. It was the highlight of my numismatic journey through South Africa. In an international context, South Africa presented itself as a promising country of (numismatic) opportunities.
Monnaie de Paris Faces Criticism from Enthusiastic Collectors
As athletes around the world prepare to deliver top performances at the Olympic Games, the Monnaie de Paris – France’s prestigious mint – has disqualified itself in the eyes of many collectors for unsporting behaviour. What happened?
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

100 Yuan Lion Dance 1995: One of the Rarest Chinese Coins of Our Age
From 13 to 15 May 2024, Heidelberger Münzhandlung will hold its 88th auction sale. Among the highlights are some of the rarest contemporary issues from China, including the 100-yuan Lion Dance coin of 1995. 1,000 specimens should have been minted – but in the end, only 138 were produced.

Record! South African Rarity Leaves All Previous Top Prices Far Behind
Recently, a South African coin was auctioned at Heritage for $1.8 million (excluding premium) – exceeding the previously highest known auction results for South African coins by a remarkable $1.5 million. What makes the “Single 9” such a rarity?










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.
Eisleben, Germany: Church Treasure Recovered After Almost 400 Years
What a find: last year, a hoard of 864 coins was discovered in a sandstone figure in a church in Eisleben, Germany. The coins were hidden there during the Thirty Years’ War and provide a rare insight into the currency in circulation at that time. A coin expert from the region tells us more about it.