Archive: People and Markets

Single-figure plaque, mid-sixteenth to seventeenth century, cast copper alloy, Dallas Museum of Art. Photo: Daderot via Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain.

Benin Bronzes Lawsuit Against Smithsonian

Shall all Benin bronzes be repatriated? The Restitution Study Group says no. They argue for the rights of descendants of slaves trafficked by the Benin Kingdom as you can learn from this interview by Kate Fitz Gibbon.

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2026 soll die nächste Fußball-WM gemeinsam von den USA, Kanada und Mexiko ausgetragen werden. Hier eine der Dollar-Münzen, die auf die letzte WM in den USA 1994 herausgegeben wurden. Bild: US-Mint. Im Hintergrund das Giants-Stadion in New Jersey, einer der damaligen Austragungsorte. Foto: JazzyJoeyD / CC BY-SA 4.0.

NICAC Raises Concerns Over 2026 World Cup Commemorative Coins

The Numismatic Industry Coinage Advisory Committee (NICAC) released a report expressing concerns with legislation authorizing the minting of coins commemorating the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This gives us a fascinating insight into what happens behind the scenes when a coin is issued for a major sporting event.

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The new commemorative coins pay tribute to the Rhone Glacier in the canton of Valais.

The Rhone Glacier Concludes the Swiss Glaciers Trilogy

With its new “Rhone glacier” coin, Swissmint pays tribute to the approximately 10-kilometer-long ice field that has been a popular tourist attraction in Switzerland since the 19th century. This coin marks the end of the “Swiss Glaciers” series.

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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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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

The Augustean Denarius Find From Brohl-Lützing Offered at Auction

In the current auction of Solidus, the treasure find of Brohl-Lützing is on offer. The hoard of 18 denarii contains rare coinage from Pompeius to Augustus and thus takes us right into the highly exciting era of the Roman civil wars.
Napoleon III, painting by Alexandre Cabanel, around 1865. It was the favourite portrait of Empress Eugénie because it was the most accurate depiction of him.

French History in Coins – Part 3: A New Napoleon

Under Emperor Napoleon III, France experienced an economic upswing. The Paris cityscape was completely revamped, just as coin designs. The gold rush in the US thrust Europe’s silver money into a crisis. The answer came from France.
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