Archive: People and Markets

Emsiges Treiben auf der Münzenmesse in Zürich. Auch hier bemerkten Sammler und Händler den Momentanen Trend. Foto: Michael M. Zagorowski.

Numindex Update: Prices for Mid-Grade Coins Are on the Rise

Even the Prices for mid-grade coins are on the rise at the moment. That is confirmed by the coin price index numindex. Michael Zagorowski tells us about the causes and recent observations in the trade and at coin shows.

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Gunnar Dumke. Photo: Gunnar Dumke / City of Winterthur.

New Director of the Winterthur Coin Cabinet Appointed

Gunnar Dumke will be the new director of Winterthur Coin Cabinet. The ancient historian and archaeologist will succeed Benedikt Zäch, who is retiring after thirty years at this position.

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The more than 2,000-year-old denarius from the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC was sold for EUR 570,000 (including buyer’s premium) at Bruun Rasmussen. Leading the sale from the podium was Chief Numismatist and auctioneer, Michael Fornitz.

An EID MAR Denarius Set a Nordic Record

An EID MAR denarius was sold at Bruun Rasmussen establishing a record for the most expensive numismatic object ever sold at auction in the entire Nordic region according to the auction house.

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Single-figure plaque, mid-sixteenth to seventeenth century, cast copper alloy, Dallas Museum of Art. Photo: Daderot via Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain.

Benin Bronzes Lawsuit Against Smithsonian

Shall all Benin bronzes be repatriated? The Restitution Study Group says no. They argue for the rights of descendants of slaves trafficked by the Benin Kingdom as you can learn from this interview by Kate Fitz Gibbon.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Franz Joseph und Sisi, gemalt von Franz Xaver Winterhalter. Davor Rückseite der Hochzeitsmedaille aus dem offiziellen Erinnerungs-Set, aus Auktion Künker 415 (28. Oktober 2024), Nr. 361.

Sisi and Franz: Commemorating the Dream Wedding that Was Actually a Nightmare

As part of the phaleristic auction 415 on 28 October 2024, Künker will be auctioning the set of gold medals that Emperor Franz Joseph presented to his father-in-law, Duke Maximilian Joseph in Bavaria. It is the numismatic souvenir of a wedding that turned out to be a nightmare for his daughter – young Elisabeth, who is better known as Sissi or Sisi today.
Christian IV. 4 Speciedaler 1624, Kopenhagen. From Auction Künker 408 (18.-19. June 2024), No. 14. Background: Christian IV of Denmark and Norway. Bust at Rosenborg Castle / Copenhagen. Photo: UK.

400 Years Ago – The Founding of Kongsberg

On 2 May 1624, Christian IV of Denmark and Norway founded the mining town of Kongsberg. A series of coins to be offered in the upcoming Künker sale tells us of the hopes that the ruler placed in the silver from these mines.
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