Archive: People and Markets

There is no evidence that proves that the illicit trade in antiquities is the third largest in the world. That is the finding of a new study by Donna Yates and Neil Brodie.

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.

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“Alexandria in Nummis”– Impressions from the Symposium in Lugano

On 20 and 21 September, the Circolo Numismatico Ticinese (CNT) held an international symposium in Lugano dedicated to the Roman Imperial Coinage of Alexandria. Fabrizio Rossini, CNT president, shares his impressions of the event.

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The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (in the centre) is the tallest building in Harare. Photo: Baynham Goredema from Johannesburg, South Africa / CC BY 2.0

Zimbabwe Issues Digital Gold Tokens for Investors

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe offers Gold-backed digital tokens for investment. The offer closed on 10 May 2023.

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Retiring PNG Executive Director Robert Brueggeman got a kiss from long-time PNG member Kevin Lipton after Lipton announced Brueggeman is the 2023 PNG Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Photo credit: Donn Pearlman.

PNG 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award to Robert Brueggeman

Robert Brueggeman has been honored by the Professional Numismatists Guild with the 2023 Harvey G. Stack Lifetime Achievement Award. He was not the only numismatist to be honored with a PNG award.

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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.

What People Used to Pay With in South Africa

Coins are only the most recent of the many means of payment used in South Africa. And yet, there is much to be told about the country’s numismatic past. We tell the story of South African means of payment from glass beads to the rand.
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