Archive: People and Markets
Researchers Analyse the Myth About the Massive Illicit Trade in Antiquities
An extensive new study shows that the scale of the illicit trade in antiquities is much smaller than activists claim. The study demonstrates how these false numbers came about, and how we actually should deal with the problem of the illicit trade in antiquities.
Further Recoveries of British Museum Objects
The British Museum has announced the return of a further 268 missing objects, taking the total number of recovered items to 626. The museum also confirmed that it is currently working on new leads for around 100 additional objects.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Gustav III: A Conservative Revolutionary
On 20 June 2023, Künker will auction off medals that the Swedish King Gustav III himself gave as a present to the young Peter Frederick Augustus of Oldenburg. These medals are a testament to the policies of the king who was shot dead at a masked ball in 1792.

Pattern of the First-Class Warrior Medal – A Previously Unknown Relic of German Colonial History
Leu’s first World Coins Floor Sale features a previously unknown pattern of a warrior merit medal for indigenous soldiers in German East Africa. This exceptional item provides rare insight into the early development of this obscure decoration.
PMG Grading On-site Service at the HKINF
NGC Hong Kong will accept PMG on-site grading submissions and will offer free paper money evaluations at the Hong Kong International Numismatic Fair (HKINF), on December 11-13, 2023.
ACCG Requests Information About Closed Roundtable Regarding Extra-Legal MOU With Yemen
Following a closed roundtable, the US State Department signed an MOU criticized for being completed without input from the Cultural Property Advisory Committee or the opportunity for public comment. Die Ancient Coin Collectors Guild (ACCG) sees an effort to stifle debate and has submitted a Freedom of Information (FOIA) request to the State Department.