Archive: People and Markets

The South African Mint: Africa’s Largest Mint

At the end of my trip to South Africa, I have the unique opportunity to visit the South African Mint. I’m taking you along on my visit, and that’s something very special: normally, taking photos inside the South African Mint isn’t permitted!

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End of “Cash Only”? Germany Plans Right to Digital Payment

Cash will remain important in Germany – but digital payment options are set to become mandatory. Germany’s federal government is working on new regulations. Are they truly intended to offer consumers more convenience – or are they also about gaining more control over payment flows?

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Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint, was the host of the first MDC held in five years. Image: MDC.

Review: Minting For the Future at MDC 2023

The 2023 Mint Directors Conference took place in Ottawa, Canada. It was the first MDC held in five years and welcomed over 250 delegates from mints and the wider industry across the globe.

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Warning Against Overpriced Coins: “Stick Figure” and “Woman on a Bull” Designs Aren’t Just Found in the Euro Zone

“Mega-rarity from your change” – sensational headlines like these frustrate coin collectors and dealers across Europe. Yet, it’s not just within the Eurozone that supposed rarities, often lacking genuine collector value, make waves.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Einer der Höhepunkte von Künker Auktion 395 ist eine spektakuläre Goldmedaille zu 110 Dukaten, die aus dem persönlichen Besitz von Fürst Ferdinand I. von Bulgarien stammt. Diese Medaille führt uns mitten hinein in eine Zeit, in der Bulgarien seine Wirtschaft modernisierte. Der Fürst packte dabei tatkräftig mit an. Und die Eisenbahn spielte dabei eine zentrale Rolle.

Bulgaria, Prince Ferdinand I and the Railroad

One of the highlights of Künker’s auction 395 is a spectacular gold medal with a weight of 110 ductats. It was the personal property of Prince Ferdinand I. of Bulgaria. This medal takes us back into a period when Bulgaria modernized its economy. And the railroad system played a major role in this.
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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