Archive: People and Markets
Friedrich Popken (1940-2024)
On 27 July 2024, Friedrich Popken passed away at the age of 84. As well as being a well-known entrepreneur, he was also a highly esteemed coin collector who supported and promoted many numismatic projects. An obituary by Fritz Rudolf Künker.
The Mint of Finland is Dead, Long Live the Helsinki Mint
September brought bad news for the numismatic world: the Mint of Finland, once a prolific producer of circulation coins for numerous euro countries, announced it would cease operations. Many questions have since remained unanswered – but one key point is now clear: the future of Finnish coin production has been decided.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Maximilian: The Last Knight and / or a Bankrupt
On 3 July 2025, Künker will auction the Hermann Wohnlich Collection presenting coins and medals from Tyrol. The offer includes an impressive ensemble of representative coins of Maximilian I, which are an excellent testament to his ability to cultivate his image. The effects of this can still be felt today.

Numismatic Issues Concerning Health, Medicine and Women in Times of Covid, Part 3: Personifications of Health and Medicine
Over the course of the Covid pandemic, health care professionals have attracted increased media attention. Gabriele Sturm examined the question of how women in health care professions were depicted on coins in the past, and how they are represented today. The last part of this series deals with personifications of health care and medicine.
Lithuania Effectively Abolishes One- and Two-Cent Coins – and Sparks a New Debate
Farewell to small change: another eurozone country is saying goodbye to the smallest cent coins. In Germany, the debate is also gaining momentum – whereas Austria remains relaxed and is observing developments.
Will Germany Abolish the 1 and 2 Cent Coins?
We Germans still like to pay with cash, but like in many other countries, the 1 and 2 cent coins are unpopular. The important National Cash Forum has now spoken out in favor of their de facto abolition. Read here how cash transactions would change in practice.