Archive: People and Markets

Silk, Silver, and Spice: Money Museum’s New Exhibit Explores Treasures of Trade

Today, the Edward C. Rochette Money Museum in Colorado Springs opens its newest exhibition. “The Silk Road(s): A Numismatic Travelogue” will take observers on a journey of commerce, culture, and connections made possible through coinage.

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The Sundman Lecture Symposium at the 2023 ANA’s World’s Fair of Money will focus on how coinage, paper currency, medals and tokens have been used to create, record and/or modify national identity. Photo: 12222786 via Pixabay.

Call for Paper: Explain How Money Helped Building National Identity

How have coinage or paper currency been used to create or modify national identity in history? That is the topic of the Sundman Lecture Symposium at the 2023 ANA’s World’s Fair of Money. Any ideas? Submit your summary!

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Famous Dacian Helmet Stolen – Thieves Blasted Their Way Into the Museum

On the night of 24 to 25 January, a museum in Assen, Netherlands, was targeted by thieves. They stole four important Dacian gold objects from a temporary exhibition – including the famous Coțofenești helmet. Do we have to worry about it being melted down as well?

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Euro Counterfeits: Fraudsters Increasingly Target Commemorative Coins

The number of counterfeit euro coins surged dramatically in 2023, with €2 coins—particularly commemorative issues—being the primary targets. Counterfeiters are employing increasingly sophisticated techniques, while investigators are analysing new varieties to track down illegal minting operations.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Railway tunnel under Surami pass near the village Tsipa, Chkherimela valley, Georgia 2014. Image: Karel61 via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. In front: Silver medal commemorating the opening of the Suram Tunnel in 1890 by L. Steinman. Künker auction 408, No. 234.

For Railroad Fans: The Suram Tunnel

Railroad history is linked to numismatics in many ways. Fascinating large-scale projects were often celebrated with medals and commemorative coins. Our example takes us to Georgia: A medal that will be offered for auction by Künker commemorates the opening of the Suram Tunnel.
Contemporary allegory on the Great Elector Frederick William of Brandenburg.

The Great Elector, Taxes and the Rise of Prussia

On 1 February 2024, the Künker auction house will hold its 400th auction sale. Among the 770 lots are very rare issues from the reign of Frederick William of Brandenburg-Prussia. They bear witness to the achievements of the Great Elector, who brought prosperity to a realm devastated by the Thirty Years’ War.
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