Archive: People and Markets

Dunkle Wolken über dem British Museum? Eine solche Belagerungsklippe aus Newark wurde bei einer Hands-On Führung gegen eine Replik ausgetauscht. Das hier abgebildete Exemplar liegt im Münzkabinett Berlin und ist von 1646. Objektnummer 18268995, Aufnahme durch Christian Stoess. Hintergrund: hulkiokantabak via Pixabay.

The British Museum: When Theft Becomes PR

Once again, the BM made negative headlines: Ilé Sartuzi stole a coin unnoticed during a hands-on tour and declared this an artistic performance. A commentary by Ursula Kampmann.

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Further Thefts at Royal Coin Cabinet Brought to Trial

The systematic thefts at the Royal Coin Cabinet in Stockholm were not committed by one single person. Another employee helped himself to some objects. At present, prosecutors are trying to prove the man stole coins worth more than 3.8 million Swedish kronor, including a Russian family ruble which sold for 510,000 SEK in 2009.

A reconstruction of what the gold necklace probably looked like. Illustration made by archaeologist Thea Eli Gil Bell. © Theo Eli Gil Bell, The Museum of Archaeology, University of Stavanger.

Baldrs Horse: Detectorist Makes “Find of the Century” in Norway

On the Norwegian island of Rennesøy, a metal detectorist recently made an extraordinary gold find that was buried long before the Viking Age. The nine coin-like gold pendants engraved with rare horse symbols discovered along with ten gold beads and three gold rings are the first find of this kind in Norway since the 19th century.

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Haim Gitler, Catharine Lorber & Jean-Philippe Fontanille, The Yehud Coinage. A Study and Die Classification of the Provincial Silver Coinage of Judah. Numismatic Studies and Researches Volume XII. Israel Numismatic Society, Jerusalem 2023. XII, 532 pages, illustrations. Hardcover. ISBN: 139789655982299. $150.

Die Study of the Yehud Coinage

The Israel Numismatic Society published a book on provincial silver coinage of Judah in the late Persian, Macedonian, and early Hellenistic periods. Haim Gitler, Catharine Lorber and Jean-Philippe Fontanille presented their die study recently in Jerusalem.

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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?

Maximilian: The Last Knight and / or a Bankrupt

On 3 July 2025, Künker will auction the Hermann Wohnlich Collection presenting coins and medals from Tyrol. The offer includes an impressive ensemble of representative coins of Maximilian I, which are an excellent testament to his ability to cultivate his image. The effects of this can still be felt today.
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