Archive: People and Markets

Professor Rory Naismith holding a Byzantine silver coin in the Fitzwilliam Museum. Photo: Adam Page.

Where Did Silver Come from in Early Medieval Europe?

In the mid-7th century, a veritable silver coin boom set off in the North Sea Region. So far, the question of where the silver for the coins came from was up for speculation. A new study provides concrete results.

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Swissmint as Guest of Honour at the World Money Fair

Modern coins for a modern Switzerland – that is the mission of Swissmint. As the guest of honour at the 2025 World Money Fair, Swissmint has many attractions in store for collectors and visitors. Read on to find out more.

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Gold bars at the supermarket? A growing success in the U.S. for over a year. Photo credit: Global_Intergold (foreground) via pixabay, Leung Cho Pan (background) via Canva Pro.

A Year of Gold Bars in US Supermarkets: Could the Costco Model Work in Europe?

Since autumn 2023, Americans have been able to invest in gold at the wholesale chain “Costco.” Those who bought then have enjoyed a handsome return – but whether gold will ever be sold at Aldi or Lidl in Europe remains uncertain.

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Das Vorbild für die Darstellung ist ein Ausschnitt der Darstellung des „fliegenden Menschen“ der Machinae novae von 1595. Foto: © Branimir Kralj / Kroatische Münzstätte.

Faust Vrančić: The Croatian Leonardo

Croatia issues two new collector coins as part of its “Croatian Innovators” series. They are dedicated to Faust Vrančić, a Croatian polymath whose parachute design, published in his 1595 book “Machinae novae”, is the first appearance of this device in a printed work.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

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.
20 Franken 1883: Die erste Goldmünze der Schweiz. Aus Auktion Künker eLive 54-2019-855. CoCo CH-1883-0001.

The Vreneli – A Swiss Icon

With its latest commemorative coin, Swissmint honours the last issue of the 10-franc vreneli minted 100 years ago. A prime opportunity to recall the history of this iconic Swiss gold coin.
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