Archive: People and Markets
Researchers Analyse the Myth About the Massive Illicit Trade in Antiquities
An extensive new study shows that the scale of the illicit trade in antiquities is much smaller than activists claim. The study demonstrates how these false numbers came about, and how we actually should deal with the problem of the illicit trade in antiquities.
National Coin Week: Spotlight on Numismatics
The American Numismatic Association (ANA) has been organising a national week of events in honour of numismatics since 1924. The ANA presents the entire spectrum of coin collecting with playful missions for children and specialist lectures from the world of science.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Record! South African Rarity Leaves All Previous Top Prices Far Behind
Recently, a South African coin was auctioned at Heritage for $1.8 million (excluding premium) – exceeding the previously highest known auction results for South African coins by a remarkable $1.5 million. What makes the “Single 9” such a rarity?

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…










After 100 Years: The Bruun Collection Comes Under the Hammer
The Bruun Collection has been held by Denmark’s National Museum in Copenhagen for 100 years. Now Stack’s Bowers Galleries has been commissioned with the sale of the collection, which Stacks refers to as “the most valuable collection of World Coins to ever come to market”.
The Difference Between Stamps and Coins: Not as Trivial as You’d Think!
There are times when uninformed people buy anything as long as the object in question might retain its value. Disillusionment strikes when the market situation changes. The realisation that there isn’t a market for every collectible ruined many a collecting field in the past. Ursula Kampmann urges caution.