Archive: People and Markets

How the Romans Made Counterfeits

Counterfeits have been around in ancient Roman times, too – usually, they were cast from a copper-tin alloy. Researchers at the University of Tübingen examined the counterfeiting process and reconstructed it experimentally. A video documents their experiment.

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The Royal Library of Belgium (KBR). Image: EmDee via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0.

Putting Survival Ratios of Ancient Coinages Into Perspective – Call for Papers

The 7th International Numismatic Conference of the Coin Cabinet of the Royal Library of Belgium takes place on 5 October 2024 and will focus on survival ratios of ancient coinages. Proposals for submissions are expected by 1 December 2023.

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2024 Huntington Award Presented to William E. Metcalf

At the 167th Annual Meeting of the American Numismatic Society, the Archer M. Huntington Award was presented to Dr. William E. Metcalf, honoring his tremendous contributions to Roman and Byzantine numismatics.

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Four Special collector coins were released from the Royal Canadian Mint in celebration of His Majesty’s Coronation.

How Canada’s Coins Celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III

The Royal Canadian Mint released collector coins in celebration of King Charles’ Coronation. The coins feature the new Royal Cypher but not yet the King’s portrait. Find here more information about when to expect his portrait.

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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.
Contemporary allegory on the Great Elector Frederick William of Brandenburg.

The Great Elector, Taxes and the Rise of Prussia

On 1 February 2024, the Künker auction house will hold its 400th auction sale. Among the 770 lots are very rare issues from the reign of Frederick William of Brandenburg-Prussia. They bear witness to the achievements of the Great Elector, who brought prosperity to a realm devastated by the Thirty Years’ War.
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