Archive: People and Markets

Euro Counterfeits: Fraudsters Increasingly Target Commemorative Coins

The number of counterfeit euro coins surged dramatically in 2023, with €2 coins—particularly commemorative issues—being the primary targets. Counterfeiters are employing increasingly sophisticated techniques, while investigators are analysing new varieties to track down illegal minting operations.

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Exclusive Presentation of the Latest Commemorative Coin: The 100-Franc Gold Vreneli Returns After 100 Years

At the World Money Fair, Swissmint unveiled its latest commemorative coin to mark a special anniversary: on 1 July 2025, the coin “100 Years of the 100-Franc Vreneli” will be released – a tribute to the original edition from 1925.

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Lot #25968-87: Grabener MPU-156 HS Coining Press, 1991.

A Highly Unusual Auction: Assets From Pobjoy Mint for Sale

Following the end of Pobjoy Mint last year, an online auction will present over 200 lots with the mint’s equipment next week. The sale features coining presses, machine tools, fabrication machinery, print and packaging equipment and more.

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Our Event Sites for the Coin Fairs in Basel and Munich

On the last weekend in February and the first weekend in March, two coin fairs took place that we didn’t want to miss: First the Basel Coin Fair, then the NUMISMATA in Munich. You can find our impressions of the fairs on two event sites.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Railway tunnel under Surami pass near the village Tsipa, Chkherimela valley, Georgia 2014. Image: Karel61 via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. In front: Silver medal commemorating the opening of the Suram Tunnel in 1890 by L. Steinman. Künker auction 408, No. 234.

For Railroad Fans: The Suram Tunnel

Railroad history is linked to numismatics in many ways. Fascinating large-scale projects were often celebrated with medals and commemorative coins. Our example takes us to Georgia: A medal that will be offered for auction by Künker commemorates the opening of the Suram Tunnel.
Image detail from “The last viaduct before entering the Trieste railway station”, image: SLUB Dresden. Public Domain Mark 1.0. PPN 337170053. In front: Double vereinstaler 1857. From Auction Künker 308, No. 471.

A Commemorative Coin Celebrating the Completion of Austria’s Southern Railway

Commemorative coins were issued far less frequently in the 19th century than today. The fact that Emperor Franz Joseph dedicated a commemorative coin to the Austrian Southern Railway is therefore testimony to the outstanding importance of this line. In auction 408, Künker is offering two of only 1,644 specimens minted.
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