Archive: People and Markets
Dr. Albert J. Beck (1935-2024)
Dr. Albert (“Al”) J. Beck passed on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Our friends from Stephen Album Rare Coins shared this obituary for their colleague with us.
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.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

The Heidelberg Tun and Early Modern Winemaking
The most well-known symbol of the city of Heidelberg actually began as a sort of treasury: the Heidelberg Tun was built to accommodate the Palatinate’s tax revenue generated from winemaking. And then a Calvinist propagandist turned it into a tourist attraction. This is reflected in a medal that Künker will be auctioning on 29 September 2023.

The Wedding of a Century in Saxony
In the days of absolutism, a feast was not simply a gathering of friends and family. It was a political means of propagating one’s status. That is exactly what Augustus the Strong did in 1719. His son’s wedding was nothing but a welcome occasion.










A Holey Dollar Returns to Toruń – An Update on the Torún Coin Theft
The Australian Federal Police have announced that they have helped return a Holey Dollar from the Toruń theft to the city’s regional museum. Here is the latest news on the theft of at least 194 coins, which is currently being tried in court.
Stack’s Bowers Galleries Launches Coin Resource Center
Stack’s Bowers Galleries announced the launch of their Coin Resource Center. The new website is a detailed reference guide for all U.S. coins with historical backgrounds of each U.S. Mint and insightful Collector Guides.