Archive: People and Markets

Goldbeater. Frontispiece from a register of creditors of a Bolognese lending society. Illuminated by Nicolò di Giacomo di Nascimbene, called Nicolò da Bologna Italy, Bologna, ca. 1394–95. The Morgan Library & Museum, MS M.1056, fol. 1v detail. Photography by Janny Chiu.

Medieval Money, Merchants, and Morality

The new exhibition in the Morgan Library & Museum examines the economic revolution in medieval Europe and charts the expanding role and perception of money during that period. The medieval manuscripts shown in the exhibition are truly stunning!

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Data Breach During Sale of 2-Euro Coin in Cyprus: How to Avoid Server Crashes

Cyprus wanted to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its EU membership with a 2-euro coin – but the party turned into a fiasco. Even before the start of sales, the server crashed; at times, customers could see the data of other buyers, and to this day, it is unclear whether the central bank will make another attempt to sell the coins.

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The coin show takes place in the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Madrid. Photo Hotel: Luis García / CC BY-SA 3.0

Evento Numismático Internacional

There is a new coin show aimed at the Spanish-speaking world: from 26 to 29 June 2024, the first Evento Numismático Internacional will take place at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Madrid, and will include a coin show, numerous presentations and an extensive cultural programme.

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The representative of Guinness World Records hands over the certificate for the world’s smallest coin to Robert Blaic, CEO of the Croatian Mint. Photo: Croatian Mint.

The World’s Smallest Coin

Now it is official: Croatia’s 1-kuna coin dedicated to the town of Hum holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s smallest coin!

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Lot 1399: Clement X. Medal for the Holy Year of 1675 by Giovanni Martino Hamerani. Background: Edyttka1388 via Pixabay.

Coins and Medals of the Popes: Representatives of the Catholic Church

Since the 16th century, people throughout Europe have collected coins and medals of the popes. Papal issues were often intended to be collectibles rather than a means of payment. Künker presents a little introduction to this fascinating subject.
Sotheby’s, The One (2nd February 2024), lot 8: The 2nd May 1840 Penny Black Cover. Estimate: $1,500,000 – $2,500,000.

The First Piece of Mail Sent Using a Stamp to Be Offered at Sotheby’s

A Penny Black affixed to a Mulready envelope is among the most valuable items in Philately ever offered at auction. The earliest posted envelope using a prepaid stamp, dating to 1840, will be sold at Sotheby’s with an estimate of $1.5–2.5 million.
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