Archive: People and Markets
Zimbabwe’s New Currency: Is the ZiG Doomed to Fail From the Start?
Zimbabwe has introduced a new currency that is supposed to win the trust of Zimbabweans as it is backed by gold. Michael Alexander explains the background and presents the new banknotes.
New Swiss Silver Coin “Switzerland”
On 12 September 2024, the Federal Mint Swissmint will launch the 20-franc silver coin entitled “Switzerland” in honour of the country becoming a federal state in 1848. The limited-edition special coin will go on sale on Switzerland’s unofficial birthday.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

The French Marianne I: Marianne as a Representative of the French People – Part 1
Marianne represents France as a female national allegory. Gabriele Sturm explores how she is depicted on French coins. Part 1 covers the time period until the end of the Third Republic.

The Suffering of Leiden – A Siege During the Dutch Revolt
The third part of the Beuth Collection that Künker offers in Auction 420 contains many historically interesting emergency and siege coins. They were issued by the Dutch towns besieged by Spain during the 80 Years' War. One of these towns was Leiden, which to this day commemorates the end of the siege every year with a festival.





















Lithuania Effectively Abolishes One- and Two-Cent Coins – and Sparks a New Debate
Farewell to small change: another eurozone country is saying goodbye to the smallest cent coins. In Germany, the debate is also gaining momentum – whereas Austria remains relaxed and is observing developments.
The World’s Smallest Coin
Now it is official: Croatia’s 1-kuna coin dedicated to the town of Hum holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s smallest coin!