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

Single-figure plaque, mid-sixteenth to seventeenth century, cast copper alloy, Dallas Museum of Art. Photo: Daderot via Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain.

Benin Bronzes Lawsuit Against Smithsonian

Shall all Benin bronzes be repatriated? The Restitution Study Group says no. They argue for the rights of descendants of slaves trafficked by the Benin Kingdom as you can learn from this interview by Kate Fitz Gibbon.

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Directory of Circulating Coins – 4th Edition is Now Available

The fourth edition of the Directory of Circulating Coins has been published. Five years after the last edition, the useful reference book for current circulation coins is now up to date again.

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Colouring on 2-euro coins – still an absolute exception today. Collage: Canva.

Are Things Becoming Too Colourful? France and Portugal Issue 2-Euro Colour Coins

After six years, two Eurozone countries make use of the opportunity to design commemorative 2-euro coins with a special effect. Until now, official 2-euro coins with colour have been an absolute exception – for they are not at all liked to be seen in Brussels.

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Call for Papers: Conference on Ancient Coin Legends in June 2025

From 26th to 28th June 2025 the conference “Ancient coin legends: composition, design, lexicography, and framing potential” will be held in Munich. Abstracts can be sent in until October 31st 2024.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Women on Commemorative Coins: A Long Road to True Equality

Every year, International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March—and this week, numismatists also have a reason to celebrate. On 6 March, a German 20-euro coin was issued to mark the 50th anniversary of the International Women’s Year. This coin marks the beginning of a new German commemorative coin series under the theme "Influential Women". But does this mean that women have finally secured their place in the world of numismatics?

Joachimsthal and the Reformation

On 29 January 2025, Künker will auction a series of valuable Renaissance medals. They feature biblical topics and were minted in the region of Joachimsthal to spread the teachings of the Reformation. Johannes Mathesius, the author of Luther’s Table Talk, may have been at the origin of some of the motifs.
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