Archive: People and Markets

Late antique bronze fragments are often interpreted as scrap or recycled material. Image: Universität Bonn.

Conference Report: Coining Values: Bronze between Money and Scrap

A conference in Bonn recently dealt with archaeological bronze finds on the outer borders of the Roman Empire. There is a lack of clarity as to how exactly they are to be understood: were the bronze pieces stashes of value or just waste metal rendered useless? Claire Franklin Werz reports.

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Vatican Plans a Comeback: New Online Shop Launches in July

This move has nothing to do with the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV but has been in preparation for months: Starting in July 2025, the Vatican will resume sales of its philatelic and numismatic products.

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Taya Pobjoy, die Geschäftsführerin von Pobjoy, hat die Schließung des Unternehmens bekanntgegeben. Im Hintergrund viele Erfolge der Münzstätte, wie die COTY-Auszeichnungen. Foto: Michael Alexander, London Banknote and Monetary Research Centre.

Pobjoy Mint to Close Their Doors at the End of the Year

Pobjoy Mint, an icon of Non-Circulating Legal Tender manufacturing have announced they will close their doors. This does not come as a surprise for those who know the market. Ursula Kampmann comments.

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A rare sight: a notice at the entrance to the Bundesbank branch in Ludwigshafen, stating that the 11-euro football coin is sold out. Photo: Wieschowski

Successful Launch of the 11-Euro Football Coin for the 2024 European Championship

The large crowds and the fact that the 11-euro coin sold out quickly show how popular it is with the general public. The unusual collector issue fascinates football fans and numismatists alike and could become a popular souvenir across Europe.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

The courtyard of the Alcazár of Seville was immortalised on a 2024 2-euro coin from Spain. Photo: Real Casa de la Moneda (coin), javarman3 / Getty Images Pro via Canva Pro

The Secret of the Success of State Quarters, UNESCO Coins and Federal State Series

25 years ago, the United States of America started a new chapter in numismatic history. Their State Quarters became the model for many other successful coin programs – including Spain’s UNESCO World Heritage Site series.
Third time’s the charm? After 2015 and 2019, Germany is once again issuing a coin commemorating German Unity. Photos: Wieschowski / Background: frankpeters from Getty Images via Canva Pro

Unity Coin Sows Discord: More Than Just a Matter of Taste?

The fall of the Berlin Wall and reunification are considered, despite occasional tensions between East and West, as a defining moment in German history, a cause for celebration for many Germans – but not, it seems, within certain corners of the German coin collecting community.
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