Archive: People and Markets

Professor Rory Naismith holding a Byzantine silver coin in the Fitzwilliam Museum. Photo: Adam Page.

Where Did Silver Come from in Early Medieval Europe?

In the mid-7th century, a veritable silver coin boom set off in the North Sea Region. So far, the question of where the silver for the coins came from was up for speculation. A new study provides concrete results.

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Our Event Sites for the Coin Fairs in Basel and Munich

On the last weekend in February and the first weekend in March, two coin fairs took place that we didn’t want to miss: First the Basel Coin Fair, then the NUMISMATA in Munich. You can find our impressions of the fairs on two event sites.

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Price Decline for Monaco Euro Coins – Is the Hype Over?

For many years, Euro coins from Monaco were regarded as true treasures among collectors. The exclusive mintings from the small principality were highly sought after, with prices seemingly heading in only one direction: steeply upwards. But now that trend appears to have come to an end—why?

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Daniel Neuberger and the Art of Deception – Exhibition at the Kunsthistorisches Museum

The Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna is currently showing a special exhibition about Daniel Neuberger. Neuberger (1621–1680) was one of the most important and versatile artists at the imperial court in Vienna, where he worked as a wax sculptor, portraitist, and lapidary for Emperor Ferdinand III and his sons Ferdinand IV and Leopold I. more

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

The Eve of the Battle of Philippi: An Aureus Featuring the Portrait of Brutus

On 9 December 2024, Numismatica Genevensis will be auctioning an extremely rare aureus featuring a portrait of Brutus. The coin, estimated at CHF 750,000, was minted to pay the soldiers who fought for Brutus in the final battle at Philippi.
Sotheby’s, The One (2nd February 2024), lot 8: The 2nd May 1840 Penny Black Cover. Estimate: $1,500,000 – $2,500,000.

The First Piece of Mail Sent Using a Stamp to Be Offered at Sotheby’s

A Penny Black affixed to a Mulready envelope is among the most valuable items in Philately ever offered at auction. The earliest posted envelope using a prepaid stamp, dating to 1840, will be sold at Sotheby’s with an estimate of $1.5–2.5 million.
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