Archive: People and Markets
A Visit to the Japan Mint
Japan is a country where cash still plays an important role. Therefore, the Japan Mint is not a single institution but consists of several branches. Ursula Kampmann visited their offices in Saitama. Join her on a tour through the mint!
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.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Maria Theresa and Her Persecution of Jews
On 18 December 1744, Maria Theresa adopted a decree that expelled 40,000 Bohemian Jews from their homeland. A medal testifies to the fact that she had to revoke the decree due to financial and diplomatic pressure. The time of Jewish persecution was over for the time being – that is, until the genocide of the Jews in the 20th century.

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.















The First Ultra High Relief Coin with Partial Gilding of the Croatian Mint
On 24 January 2024, two “Trsat Dragon” collector coins were released. A new issue featuring the same motif has been added to the successful series on 14 November: the Croatian Mint presents its first coin with ultra high relief and with partial gilding.
Giant’s Causeway: A Natural Wonder at Risk – Because of Coins?
One of Britain’s most iconic natural landmarks is under threat – because tourists are decorating the famous basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway with coins. What may seem like a well-meaning gesture is now causing increasing damage to the geologically unique rock formation.