154Prussia. Frederick William IV, 1840–1861.
Gold medal in the weight of 50 ducats
commemorating the publication of the second volume
of Alexander von Humboldt’s *Kosmos*.
NGC MS 65 PL.
From the estate of Emperor William I.Estimate: 40.000 Euro

166Prussia. Frederick William IV, 1840–1861.
Gold medal in the weight of 50 ducats commemorating
the unveiling of the equestrian statue of
Frederick the Great on Unter den Linden in Berlin in 1851.
NGC MS 63 PL.
From the estate of Emperor William I.Estimate: 25.000 Euro

191Prussia. William I, 1861–1888.
General’s Medal in the weight of 120 ducats, 1871,
commemorating the victory over France.
A magnificent specimen.
From the estate of Emperor William I.Estimate: 75.000 Euro

297Russia. Nicholas I, 1825–1855. Family ruble.
1 1/2 rubles (10 zlotys), 1835, St. Petersburg.
NGC MS 64 (Top Pop).
Only 36 examples struck.
A cabinet piece from polished dies.
From the estate of King Frederick William IV.Estimate: 250.000 Euro

1098Holland. Province.
5 ducats, 1681.
Struck with the dies of a guilder.
NGC PF 64 Cameo.
Proof.Estimate: 40.000 Euro

1192HRE. Ferdinand II, 1592–1618–1637.
5 ducats, 1634, Vienna.
Extremely rare.
Extremely fine-uncirculated.Estimate: 10.000 Euro

1266HRE. Vienna.
Salvator Medal in the weight of 12 ducats,
n. d.(around 1840).
NGC PF 61 CAMEO.
Proof.Estimate: 15.000 Euro

1334City of Regensburg.
5 ducats, n. d. (1708–1710),
with the title of Joseph I. NGC MS 64.
Extremely rare. According to mint records,
only 7 copies struck.
A magnificent piece.Estimate: 25.000 Euro

1602German New Guinea.
10 New Guinea Marks, 1895 A.
NGC MS 65.
A magnificent piece.Estimate: 50.000 Euro

2757Saxony.
John Frederick the Magnanimous and
Maurice, 1541–1547.
Trinity Medal, 1544.
A masterpiece of German medal art. Magnificent,
excellent craftsmanship.Estimate: 75.000 Euro

Archive: People and Markets

Ein Klick – und fertig ist die Fantasie-Münze. So stellt sich die ChatGPT-Grafikengine „Dalle“ eine 2-Euro-Münze zu Ehren eines „berühmten Fußballers“ vor. Foto: ChatGPT / Dalle / Wieschowski

Cristiano Ronaldo on a Commemorative Coin from Portugal? Controversy Surrounds an AI Fake

A purported special edition coin honouring the world-famous football icon is making headlines. However, it’s unlikely that Ronaldo and his peers will ever appear in your change – and there are compelling reasons for this.

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Giant’s Causeway: A Natural Wonder at Risk – Because of Coins?

One of Britain’s most iconic natural landmarks is under threat – because tourists are decorating the famous basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway with coins. What may seem like a well-meaning gesture is now causing increasing damage to the geologically unique rock formation.

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Hideo Futahashi (†2024)

We have only now learned that Hideo Futahashi has passed away. Mr. Futahashi was a key figure for Europeans looking to gain a foothold in the Japanese coin market. He was one of those open-minded Japanese who loved introducing European coin enthusiasts to the beauty of his country.

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The National Archaeological Museum of Athens would be affected by the planned change in law. Alongside other major museums, it is to become more autonomous but, in turn, will be largely on its own when it comes to its finances. The bill of the Minister of Culture and archaeologist Lina Mendoni is being hotly debated. Photo: Erik Drost / CC BY 2.0

Greek Museums Between Commercialisation and Modernisation

Five of Greece’s most important museums are to become more autonomous and operate independently of state funding. A bill of the Greek government to this effect has been hotly debated and led to strikes.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

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.

The Suffering of Leiden – A Siege During the Dutch Revolt

The third part of the Beuth Collection that Künker offers in Auction 420 contains many historically interesting emergency and siege coins. They were issued by the Dutch towns besieged by Spain during the 80 Years' War. One of these towns was Leiden, which to this day commemorates the end of the siege every year with a festival.
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