Archive: People and Markets
Faust Vrančić: The Croatian Leonardo
Croatia issues two new collector coins as part of its “Croatian Innovators” series. They are dedicated to Faust Vrančić, a Croatian polymath whose parachute design, published in his 1595 book “Machinae novae”, is the first appearance of this device in a printed work.
NICAC Raises Concerns Over 2026 World Cup Commemorative Coins
The Numismatic Industry Coinage Advisory Committee (NICAC) released a report expressing concerns with legislation authorizing the minting of coins commemorating the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This gives us a fascinating insight into what happens behind the scenes when a coin is issued for a major sporting event.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

The Heidelberg Tun and Early Modern Winemaking
The most well-known symbol of the city of Heidelberg actually began as a sort of treasury: the Heidelberg Tun was built to accommodate the Palatinate’s tax revenue generated from winemaking. And then a Calvinist propagandist turned it into a tourist attraction. This is reflected in a medal that Künker will be auctioning on 29 September 2023.

The National Identity of Modern Ukraine on its Commemorative Coins
Due to tragic circumstances, all eyes are currently on Ukraine. Today, we’ll be discussing the national identity of the Ukrainian people. Using Ukraine’s commemorative coins, we’ll be looking at how the country sees itself, or rather, how it wants to be seen.











Royal Dutch Mint and Osborne Coinage Join the Heimerle + Meule Group
It was only recently that we posted about the acquisition of Reischauer by the Heimerle + Meule Group – but the next big announcement follows right away: the company acquired all shares in the Royal United Mint, who is the parent company of well-known businesses like the Royal Dutch Mint and Osborne Coinage.
A Visit to Alesia
Alesia is part of France’s national heritage; it is where Vercingetorix lost the decisive battle against Caesar. Time and again, French politicians have been inspired by this defeat. It fuelled their will to resist and motivated France to cooperate with victorious powers. This also affected the place itself, which Ursula Kampmann visited.