Archive: People and Markets
A Year of Gold Bars in US Supermarkets: Could the Costco Model Work in Europe?
Since autumn 2023, Americans have been able to invest in gold at the wholesale chain “Costco.” Those who bought then have enjoyed a handsome return – but whether gold will ever be sold at Aldi or Lidl in Europe remains uncertain.
A Military Motif in Circulation – Or: How Political Should 2-Euro Coins Be?
Lithuania is planning to design a 2-euro commemorative coin for defense “against foreign armed forces”. Critics fear a numismatic mobilization – and are eagerly awaiting a possible veto from other euro countries. But have there ever been comparable cases?
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

The First Error Coins from Croatia
Croatian euro coins are still quite new: the popular tourist destination introduced the currency as recently as in January 2023. By now, the first Croatian coins have long found their way into Central European wallets – and there are also some error coins among them!

Berlin and South Africa – A Time-Honoured Connection
Did you know that the first coins of the Boer Republic came from Berlin? It was quite a challenge to create the dies because the Berlin engraver Otto Schulz had no idea of Boer identity, which is why things almost went wrong…










Is the EU Sleepwalking Into an Art Market Nightmare?
Enforcement of import licensing for cultural goods is just two years away, but many serious questions remain over what will happen. A detailed insight into a complicated matter.
2024 Huntington Award Presented to William E. Metcalf
At the 167th Annual Meeting of the American Numismatic Society, the Archer M. Huntington Award was presented to Dr. William E. Metcalf, honoring his tremendous contributions to Roman and Byzantine numismatics.