Archive: People and Markets

Access to Cash Becoming More Difficult: Bundesbank Sees Growing Challenges

Despite declining numbers of ATMs and bank branches, the Bundesbank currently still considers access to cash in Germany to be secure. However, in its March 2025 monthly report, it warns of clear downward trends.

Read more
The Heimerle + Meule Group acquires Reischauer GmbH, a company known worldwide in the coin industry.

Reischauer Becomes Part of the Heimerle + Meule Group

With the acquisition of Reischauer GmbH, the Heimerle + Meule Group is expanding its already strong position in the European precious metals market. In the previous year, Heimerle + Meule was already able to substantially enlarge its expertise in precious metal coins and medals by acquiring a majority stake in the Commonwealth Mint.

Read more

The South African Mint: Africa’s Largest Mint

At the end of my trip to South Africa, I have the unique opportunity to visit the South African Mint. I’m taking you along on my visit, and that’s something very special: normally, taking photos inside the South African Mint isn’t permitted!

Read more
Cheyenne, Wyoming. Background: Vasiliymeshko / CC BY-SA 4.0

Suspect Arrested for Double Homicide at Coin Shop Nine Years After the Crime

The double murder of a coin shop owner and a second victim in Cheyenne, Wyoming, lay unsolved for almost a decade. Now a suspect is on trial – the very man who had called the police to the crime scene.

Read more

Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Clémentine d’Orléans: Extraordinary Woman and Coin Collector

Few women have left such a decisive mark on the history of 19th-century Europe as Cleméntine d’Orléans, and yet it was not until 2007 that her life was honored with a biography. Künker is now offering the coin collection that once belonged to this unusual woman.
Sotheby’s, The One (2nd February 2024), lot 8: The 2nd May 1840 Penny Black Cover. Estimate: $1,500,000 – $2,500,000.

The First Piece of Mail Sent Using a Stamp to Be Offered at Sotheby’s

A Penny Black affixed to a Mulready envelope is among the most valuable items in Philately ever offered at auction. The earliest posted envelope using a prepaid stamp, dating to 1840, will be sold at Sotheby’s with an estimate of $1.5–2.5 million.
Search Search