Archive: People and Markets

New Issues From Croatia: Halubje Bell Ringers to Chase Away the Winter

Croatia has a unique carnival tradition. Masked figures chase away the winter with their large bells. These bell ringers have been on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List since 2009. The Croatian Mint dedicates three commemorative coins to them, issued on 18 February 2025.

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A Historic Unique Piece Offered for Shared Ownership – A Model for the Future?

A US coin dealer is offering co-ownership shares in a top rarity: shareholders can even choose their desired piece of a rare $100,000 gold certificate.

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Questions and Answers for Coin Collectors Regarding the Death of Pope Francis

Following five different coin series since 2002, the Vatican is set to issue new euro coins this year. When the change to a new pope on the coins will take place, and how the Sede Vacante will be commemorated numismatically, remains unclear – as does the timing for the return of the Vatican’s coin issuing office for collectors.

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Will the International Coin Market Be Affected by the New US Tariff Policy?

America’s tariff regime is dominating the headlines. Yesterday morning (CET), when Ursula Kampmann wrote this article, many countries were under the threat of high punitive tariffs. As of yesterday evening (CET), this is no longer the case. But it is still interesting to consider what would happen in the coin market if punitive tariffs were imposed.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

The wedding of Archduke Charles and Zita in 1911. On the left the wedding couple, on the right, 81-year-old Emperor Franz Joseph, whom Charles will succeed as emperor in 1916.

Charles I of Austria-Hungary: A Hapless Emperor Who Was Beatified

In the context of its Summer Auction Sales, Künker will offer the only gold coin of the last Austro-Hungarian Emperor that is available on the market. Johannes Nollé tells the story of this coin and its commissioner, who died in Madeira aged only 35.
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.
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