Archive: People and Markets
End of “Cash Only”? Germany Plans Right to Digital Payment
Cash will remain important in Germany – but digital payment options are set to become mandatory. Germany’s federal government is working on new regulations. Are they truly intended to offer consumers more convenience – or are they also about gaining more control over payment flows?
A Coveted 2-Euro Coin: Monaco Introduces Penalty Fee for Multiple Orders
The Principality’s commemorative coins are among the most expensive and sought-after collectibles in the eurozone – but they have also attracted speculators for years. The sales office is now taking drastic measures.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

The Birth of the Krugerrand
The South African Krugerrand is the world’s oldest bullion coin. When it was first minted in 1967, the concept of producing a coin that matched the weight of an investment unit – one ounce – was both new and innovative. Learn more about the economic background and the meaning of its design here.

Gold at Record Highs: Melt Down or Preserve Historic Gold Coins?
Gold is now more expensive than ever. This trend has put many collectors and dealers in a moral dilemma: Which gold coins can be sold or melted down without hesitation, and where do the real treasures lie?















The UK’s Highest Value Treasure Find Ever Discovered
All a group of friends really wanted to do was enjoy a relaxing weekend away and try out a new metal detector. The unexpected result of this trip is the highest value treasure find ever discovered in Great Britain. The coins will soon be on display at the British Museum.
Ulrich Werz (1964-2023)
The numismatist Ulrich Werz died on June 14, 2023. He was known for his work on coin finds and his studies on Roman countermarks. Claire Franklin remembers him.