Archive: People and Markets

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.

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More than three years after the spectacular burglary at Dresden’s Green Vault, the Dresden Regional Court handed down a verdict on 16 May 2023. The return of part of the loot has paid off for the defendants. But many questions are still open.

Verdicts in the Dresden Jewel Heist Case

More than three years after the spectacular burglary at Dresden’s Green Vault, the Dresden Regional Court handed down a verdict on 16 May 2023. The return of part of the loot has paid off for the defendants. But many questions are still open.

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More than 2 million dimes were stolen while being transported from the US Mint in Philadelphia to Miami. Photo: BrayLockBoy / CC BY-SA 4.0.

The Great Philly Pocket Change Heist

In the US, four men are standing trial as they allegedly stole coins worth 234,500 dollars from a truck. That was a ton of work. since their loot consisted of more than 2 million dimes, which were difficult to transport and even harder to spend…

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Crowds of visitors at the Sberatel. Photo: BS.

Sberatel: The Place to Meet Czech Collectors

On 8 and 9 September 2023, the Sberatel took place in Prague. It calls itself the largest coin show in Central and Eastern Europe – and this is no exaggeration. Ursula Kampmann was there.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

VOC: The Other Side of the Dutch Golden Age

VOC coins tell the story of the Netherlands’ colonial past. The States General granted the VOC all the rights of an independent state: it could declare war, make treaties and issue its own currency. Join us on a trip to Indonesia, the place where the spices grew that financed the Dutch Golden Age.
Contemporary allegory on the Great Elector Frederick William of Brandenburg.

The Great Elector, Taxes and the Rise of Prussia

On 1 February 2024, the Künker auction house will hold its 400th auction sale. Among the 770 lots are very rare issues from the reign of Frederick William of Brandenburg-Prussia. They bear witness to the achievements of the Great Elector, who brought prosperity to a realm devastated by the Thirty Years’ War.
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