Archive: People and Markets

2023 Was a Record Year for Archaeological Finds in the UK

The British Museum has launched the latest Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) Annual Report, showing a record high of 74,506 finds recorded by the public in 2023. See some of the highlights here.

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Milchflecken und abblätternde Farbe: Die Qualität deutscher Sammlermünzen gibt Anlass zur Sorge. Doch nicht nur Deutschland ist betroffen. Münzbilder: Sebastian Wieschowski, Hintergrund: UK.

An “Error Coin” No Collector Is Happy About

The quality of the country’s collector coins is the subject of heated debate in Germany. This regards silver coins and colour issues. But the problem is not limited to German mints – the phenomenon of “milk spots” in particular is a major concern for coin producers around the world.

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Collectors of German coins will now have to calculate carefully whether they can still afford sets of circulation coins or commemorative coin sets with 2 euro coins. Collage: Canva / Münze Deutschland.

Increasing Prices for German Coin Sets: Is This The End of Proof Coin Collecting?

Official coin sets – for many coin collectors, these issues are an essential part of a complete collection. The number of produced sets, however, has been diminishing significantly for years, and a huge price adjustment could now deter collectors even further.

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Photo: Sebastian Wieschowski

German Collector Coins – Where Are the Collectors?

Every few months, Germany’s latest collector coins can be bought at face value at the counters of the Bundesbank. Sebastian Wieschowski has been on site as a collector and roving reporter for many years. He wonders: why do fewer and fewer coin enthusiasts want to be there when new additions to their own collections are being released?

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Joachimsthal and the Reformation

On 29 January 2025, Künker will auction a series of valuable Renaissance medals. They feature biblical topics and were minted in the region of Joachimsthal to spread the teachings of the Reformation. Johannes Mathesius, the author of Luther’s Table Talk, may have been at the origin of some of the motifs.
Some of the protagonists of the 30 Years' War depicted on coins. Coin photos: Künker (see further illustrations of the article). Background: copper engraving of the second battle of Breitenfeld on October 23, 1642, detail.

The Protagonists of the Thirty Years’ War: A Slightly Different Preview of Künker’s Auction 410

On 23 September 2024 Künker will auction off a breathtaking collection including many multiple gold coins, multiple talers and rare medals relating to the Thirty Years’ War. We present the most beautiful pieces, and explain why the men depicted on these issues took part in the Thirty Years’ War.
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