Archive: People and Markets
The British Museum: When Theft Becomes PR
Once again, the BM made negative headlines: Ilé Sartuzi stole a coin unnoticed during a hands-on tour and declared this an artistic performance. A commentary by Ursula Kampmann.
World’s Fair of Money Convention Medal 2023
The 2023 World’s Fair of Money will have a special Convention Medal. Medallic artist Jamie Franki has designed a medal featuring what makes the conventions’s location Pittsburgh unique in the world.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

The Borki Train Disaster
On 29 October 1888, the Russian imperial train derailed near the village of Borki. 23 people lost their lives. The tsar’s family survived. A medal commemorates the event. It will be offered by the Künker auction house on 1 February 2024.

A Commemorative Coin Celebrating the Completion of Austria’s Southern Railway
Commemorative coins were issued far less frequently in the 19th century than today. The fact that Emperor Franz Joseph dedicated a commemorative coin to the Austrian Southern Railway is therefore testimony to the outstanding importance of this line. In auction 408, Künker is offering two of only 1,644 specimens minted.
Researchers Analyse the Myth About the Massive Illicit Trade in Antiquities
An extensive new study shows that the scale of the illicit trade in antiquities is much smaller than activists claim. The study demonstrates how these false numbers came about, and how we actually should deal with the problem of the illicit trade in antiquities.
Heritage Auctions Opens German Office in Munich
Germany has a vibrant collector community. The US auction giant Heritage Auctions has also recognized this. It has opened a new office in Munich to offer German clients personalized support and access to a global audience for their collections.