Archive: People and Markets
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.
CoinsWeekly Special Issue for the TICC Tokyo 2025
After overwhelming interest in the last years, we have once again published a printed CoinsWeekly Special Issue for TICC 2025, which takes place in Tokyo from April 26 to 28. If you can’t make it to Tokyo, you can download the PDF here.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

From Taler to Mark: The Long Road to a Common Currency
As Germany gradually evolved into a nation-state in the 19th century, the many currencies that circulated in its territories were also unified step by step. Coins from the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in Künker’s auction 388 illustrate the long path from the taler to the mark.

Coins and Medals of the Popes: Representatives of the Catholic Church
Since the 16th century, people throughout Europe have collected coins and medals of the popes. Papal issues were often intended to be collectibles rather than a means of payment. Künker presents a little introduction to this fascinating subject.











Lars Emil Bruun (1852–1923): From the Local Inn to an International Enterprise
The auction of the exceptional Bruun collection, 100 years after the collector’s death, has attracted a great deal of attention. But who was Bruun as a person? What inspired him? On behalf of Stack’s, Ursula Kampmann went in search of Bruun’s personality and compiled a short biography.
Petition Crown Realizes More than $1 Million, Setting Record
For the second time this year, an example of England’s Petition Crown certified by NGC has realized a record price. The piece from the Geoffrey Cope Collection broke the $1 million barrier.