Archive: People and Markets
How the Romans Made Counterfeits
Counterfeits have been around in ancient Roman times, too – usually, they were cast from a copper-tin alloy. Researchers at the University of Tübingen examined the counterfeiting process and reconstructed it experimentally. A video documents their experiment.
The “Red Book” and Its Two Fathers
Kenneth Bressett’s memoir “A Penny Saved” celebrates the life of Bressett’s mentor, hobby legend Richard S. Yeo and author of the “Red Book”. Joel J. Orosz explains what numismatics owes both of them.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

The Gnadenpfennig – An Object Between Decoration, Medal, and Coin
Gnadenpfennigs are an extremely rare category of numismatic objects. Künker is proud to offer nine lots in auction 418 on 29 January 2025 that are, or are likely to be, gnadenpfennigs. We explain the purpose of these issues and when they were created.

400 Years Ago – The Founding of Kongsberg
On 2 May 1624, Christian IV of Denmark and Norway founded the mining town of Kongsberg. A series of coins to be offered in the upcoming Künker sale tells us of the hopes that the ruler placed in the silver from these mines.










Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić: The Woman Who Gave Croatia Its Fairy Tales
Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić is one of the authors that every Croatian is familiar with because they grew up listening to her fairy tales. Now the Croatian National Bank is issuing two collector coins to commemorate the 150th birthday of Ivana Brlić-Mažuranić.
Florida Recognises Gold and Silver as Legal Tender
A new step in the monetary policy of US states: the “Sunshine State” will soon allow certain precious metal coins to be used in everyday transactions. However, this alternative form of currency must meet specific requirements in order to qualify.