Archive: People and Markets
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.
The Silver Coinage of the Gupta Empire and Associated States in Western India: Analysis, Classification and Illustrated Catalogue
Authors Ian J. Todd and A.M. Fishman have published a new book on the silver coinage of the Gupta Empire and associated states in western India. Read their announcement here.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

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.

Royal Gold: England’s Five Guineas and the English Gold Currency
On 10 December 2024, Numismatica Genevensis will offer the most complete run of English Five Guineas ever sold at auction. The pieces are considered to be the most beautiful and the heaviest English circulation issues in gold. They were struck from 1668 to 1777, during the period when England replaced its bimetallism with the gold currency. Read on to find out more.















“The Art of Making Medals” Published
What Goes Into Making a Medal? Editor Ross Pollard has packed his new book “The Art of Making Medals” with practical, first-hand insights from contemporary artists into the fascinating world of medallic sculpture. Each chapter was contributed by a member of the American Medallic Sculpture Association and documents the creation of an original medal from start to finish.
These Are Japan’s New Banknotes
In April 2023, the Bank of Japan has presented the first specimens of the new banknotes, which will enter circulation in 2024. The 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen denominations will feature new motifs and new security features.