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.

Conference Report: Coining Values: Bronze between Money and Scrap

A conference in Bonn recently dealt with archaeological bronze finds on the outer borders of the Roman Empire. There is a lack of clarity as to how exactly they are to be understood: were the bronze pieces stashes of value or just waste metal rendered useless? Claire Franklin Werz reports.

ANS awards Collier Prize to Moneda Ibérica

For the second time, the American Numismatic Society awarded the Collier Prize to an outstanding book, catalog, or digital work in the field of ancient numismatics. This year, the honor went to Moneda Ibérica, a digital catalog for ancient coins of the Iberian Peninsula.

IAPN Asks Collectors to Help Protect Roman Coin Collecting

Will Roman coins in general be considered the cultural property of Italy by US Customs unless you can provide extensive proof of ownership? Such concerns are raised by the proposed extension of a Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Italy. The IAPN is calling on collectors to take action.

Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Berlin and South Africa – A Time-Honoured Connection

Did you know that the first coins of the Boer Republic came from Berlin? It was quite a challenge to create the dies because the Berlin engraver Otto Schulz had no idea of Boer identity, which is why things almost went wrong…
Railway tunnel under Surami pass near the village Tsipa, Chkherimela valley, Georgia 2014. Image: Karel61 via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. In front: Silver medal commemorating the opening of the Suram Tunnel in 1890 by L. Steinman. Künker auction 408, No. 234.

For Railroad Fans: The Suram Tunnel

Railroad history is linked to numismatics in many ways. Fascinating large-scale projects were often celebrated with medals and commemorative coins. Our example takes us to Georgia: A medal that will be offered for auction by Künker commemorates the opening of the Suram Tunnel.
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