Archive: People and Markets
Legal Statement Issued on Italy’s Import Requirements for Coins
Italy requires such extensive documentation for the import of coins that many dealers prefer to avoid the country. But now, the Ministry of Culture in Rome has issued a legal statement that deserves some attention.
Medieval Coin Hoard Found in the Black Forest
In Southwest Germany, a significant medieval coin hoard was recently discovered, consisting of ca. 1,600 coins from the period around 1320 AD. The coin hoard is said to be the largest one found in South Baden in 75 years.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Counterfeit Detection: Altered Prussia 20 Mark
An NGC expert gives us insight into his everyday life. He shows how the year on a coin from the German Empire was altered by a coin doctor.

Münster, Osnabrück, Passau and the Counts of Lamberg
Münster, Osnabrück and Passau: How are these places related to the Counts of Lamberg? We use coins from Künker’s auction 424 to illustrate how noble families in the Holy Roman Empire climbed the social ladder in early modern times, and explain the reasons for and the consequences of such ascents.
Data Breach During Sale of 2-Euro Coin in Cyprus: How to Avoid Server Crashes
Cyprus wanted to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its EU membership with a 2-euro coin – but the party turned into a fiasco. Even before the start of sales, the server crashed; at times, customers could see the data of other buyers, and to this day, it is unclear whether the central bank will make another attempt to sell the coins.
Peter K. Tompa Appointed as New IAPN Executive Director
The International Association of Professional Numismatists (IAPN) has a new Executive Director: Peter K. Tompa succeeds Jean-Luc Van der Schueren.