Archive: People and Markets
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?
New Euro Banknotes – It Will Be One of These Two Themes
It is intended that euro banknotes are redesigned every 10 to 15 years. This is a long process that already has been going on for a while. The search is currently on for a theme for the future designs. Two finalists have now been chosen.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

The Great Elector, Taxes and the Rise of Prussia
On 1 February 2024, the Künker auction house will hold its 400th auction sale. Among the 770 lots are very rare issues from the reign of Frederick William of Brandenburg-Prussia. They bear witness to the achievements of the Great Elector, who brought prosperity to a realm devastated by the Thirty Years’ War.

Marcus Antonius: The Loser Who Did Not Write History
Künker’s auction 419 features numismatic rarities from the Roman civil war that followed Caesar’s death. In addition to the Eid Mar denarius, aurei of Marcus Antonius will cross the auction block. We will re-tell his story – from his point of view, not that of Augustus.
Your Tax Dollars at Work
Is the State Department funding a crusade against private ownership of cultural goods in the U.S.? Peter Tompa explains how taxpayer money was used to justify cultural property Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) or “emergency import restrictions.”
Exclusive High Relief Coin by Swissmint
In cooperation with CIT Coin Invest, Swissmint offered a special coin with smartminting high relief for the Zurich International Coin Fair.