Archive: People and Markets

Last-minute veto: the European Commission brought a halt to the minting of coins of 10, 20 and 50 cents due to the design of the European stars on the French obverse. Photo: MDP

French Error Coin: The Monnaie de Paris Coin Mishap

The French mint Monnaie de Paris had planned to introduce a new design for coins of 10, 20 and 50 cents in 2024, but a mishap with serious consequences occurred – and while the extent of the financial loss that ensued is still unknown, it is clear that it caused great damage to the mint´s image.

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Largest Hoard of Ancient Gold Coins Discovered in Luxembourg

At the end of 2019, two amateur archaeologists in Luxembourg made an impressive discovery that has now been made public: 141 exceptionally well-preserved solidi from the last third of the 4th century. It is the largest hoard of ancient gold coins ever discovered in the Grand Duchy.

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Al was mentor to many young people in numismatics. Image provided by Stephen Album Rare Coins.

Dr. Albert J. Beck (1935-2024)

Dr. Albert (“Al”) J. Beck passed on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Our friends from Stephen Album Rare Coins shared this obituary for their colleague with us.

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Colouring on 2-euro coins – still an absolute exception today. Collage: Canva.

Are Things Becoming Too Colourful? France and Portugal Issue 2-Euro Colour Coins

After six years, two Eurozone countries make use of the opportunity to design commemorative 2-euro coins with a special effect. Until now, official 2-euro coins with colour have been an absolute exception – for they are not at all liked to be seen in Brussels.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Franz Joseph und Sisi, gemalt von Franz Xaver Winterhalter. Davor Rückseite der Hochzeitsmedaille aus dem offiziellen Erinnerungs-Set, aus Auktion Künker 415 (28. Oktober 2024), Nr. 361.

Sisi and Franz: Commemorating the Dream Wedding that Was Actually a Nightmare

As part of the phaleristic auction 415 on 28 October 2024, Künker will be auctioning the set of gold medals that Emperor Franz Joseph presented to his father-in-law, Duke Maximilian Joseph in Bavaria. It is the numismatic souvenir of a wedding that turned out to be a nightmare for his daughter – young Elisabeth, who is better known as Sissi or Sisi today.
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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