Archive: People and Markets

At the centre of the indictment against Richard Beale is the provenance of the second-most expensive ancient coin in the world, an EID MAR aureus. From Roma Numismatics XX (2020), Lot 463. Hammer price: 3,240,000 pounds.

Coin Dealer Richard Beale Pleads Guilty

Richard Beale has pleaded guilty to a number of charges. At a court hearing in New York in August 2023, the British coin dealer admitted, among other things, to falsifying the provenance of an EID MAR aureus.

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Trump’s Influence? United States Mint Removes Commemorative Medal from Store

The United States Mint has removed a commemorative medal honouring the police officers who defended the Capitol during the attack on 6 January 2021 from its website, sparking criticism.

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What the Second Trump Administration Might Mean for Collectors

What does Donald Trump’s return to the White House mean for collectors in the USA? Will the new Administration help “Make Collecting Great Again” or will it be anti-collecting business as usual at the State Department and other government agencies? Predictions are always perilous to make, but Peter Tompa has dared to make some nonetheless.

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Voderseite von Tschad. Zhu Rong. 10.000 Francs CFA 2024. 2 Unzen Silber. Spectres Münzinszenierungen erinnern an zeitgenössische Blockbuster im Kino. Bild: Spectres.

Coins for a New Audience from Singapore

In 2019, coin designer Karz launched his coin publishing company Spectres. He and his team aim to create coins for our modern world – coins that they would be happy to buy themselves. We introduce the young company and some of their products.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

25 Years Ago: Millennium Coins and the Dawn of a New Era

The transition to a new millennium captivated the numismatic world. Commemorative coins from that time were colourful and bold, as a brief glance at the past led to a high-speed journey into a high-tech future—only for things to turn out differently.
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.
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