Archive: People and Markets

Gilded silver plate, Iran or Afghanistan, probably Parthian or Early Sasanian, probably 2nd–3rd century. © The Trustees of the British Museum.

“Luxury and Power: Persia to Greece” at the British Museum

Over centuries the Persian empire and the Greeks had many conflicts. But nevertheless they influenced each other in many ways, as coins and works of art document. A major exhibition at the British Museum explores the relationship between luxury and power in this time.

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Hadrian, the Traveling Emperor– Our CoinsWeekly NYINC Special Issue

Few emperors seem as likeable as Hadrian, an emperor from the provinces for the provinces, who was very different from all his predecessors. Learn more about Hadrian and his coinage in our new CoinsWeekly Special Issue for NYINC 2025. Now available as a free download!

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The MDC Awards 2023

After a five-year break, the Mint Directors Conference took place in Ottawa, Canada, from October 15 to 18. One of the most eagerly awaited events was the announcement of the winners of the prestigious MDC Awards. You can now find them here.

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Switzerland is “Guest of Honor” at the World Money Fair 2025

Next year, Switzerland will be the guest country at the World Money Fair. The Federal Mint Swissmint has a very special highlight in store for the fair: it will be presenting the 100-franc Gold Vreneli anniversary coin to the world for the first time.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

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.
Only 138 out of the planned 1,000 pieces were minted. This makes the Lion Dance a highly contested collector’s coin!

100 Yuan Lion Dance 1995: One of the Rarest Chinese Coins of Our Age

From 13 to 15 May 2024, Heidelberger Münzhandlung will hold its 88th auction sale. Among the highlights are some of the rarest contemporary issues from China, including the 100-yuan Lion Dance coin of 1995. 1,000 specimens should have been minted – but in the end, only 138 were produced.
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