Archive: People and Markets
Panticapaeum Stater Most Expensive Ancient Coin
A gold stater from the city of Panticapaeum is currently the most expensive ancient coin ever sold at auction. In May 2023, it was sold by Numismatica Ars Classica in Switzerland for the record sum of 5,390,000 CHF or ca. $6 million.
Employees of Monnaie de Paris Launch Petition to Protect Their Site
“Hands off Monnaie de Paris” – with this clear message, Rodolphe Krempp, Deputy Sales Director at Monnaie de Paris, reached out to his contacts on the business network LinkedIn over the weekend.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

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.

The Bending Willow Tree
On 29 January 2025, Künker is going to auction off a unique willow tree coin. The reverse of the 10-ducat piece depicts a willow tree in a storm. But what is the message that William V, the Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel on whose behalf the coin was created, wanted to convey with this issue?










Euro Counterfeits: Fraudsters Increasingly Target Commemorative Coins
The number of counterfeit euro coins surged dramatically in 2023, with €2 coins—particularly commemorative issues—being the primary targets. Counterfeiters are employing increasingly sophisticated techniques, while investigators are analysing new varieties to track down illegal minting operations.
Zimbabwe’s New Currency: Is the ZiG Doomed to Fail From the Start?
Zimbabwe has introduced a new currency that is supposed to win the trust of Zimbabweans as it is backed by gold. Michael Alexander explains the background and presents the new banknotes.