Archive: People and Markets

Gold bars at the supermarket? A growing success in the U.S. for over a year. Photo credit: Global_Intergold (foreground) via pixabay, Leung Cho Pan (background) via Canva Pro.

A Year of Gold Bars in US Supermarkets: Could the Costco Model Work in Europe?

Since autumn 2023, Americans have been able to invest in gold at the wholesale chain “Costco.” Those who bought then have enjoyed a handsome return – but whether gold will ever be sold at Aldi or Lidl in Europe remains uncertain.

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The San Marino-based numismatic marketplace will help collectors and dealers easily access the expert collectibles services provided by NGC, NCS and PMG.

CCG is Expanding its Network of Partners

CCG is continuously expanding its network of partners around the globe. Recently, for example, they appointed Currencypedia as an NGC and PMG Authorized Dealer in India and Aste Aurora an Official Submission Center in San Marino.

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Peter Ilisch (1947–2023). Photo: Verein der Münzfreunde für Westfalen und Nachbargebiete e. V., Axel Obdenbusch.

Peter Ilisch (1947–2023)

Peter Ilisch passed away on 29 May 2023. The former curator in Münster specialised in medieval and early modern Westphalia. As an obituary, we publish the speech of Stefan Kötz, who paid tribute to his predecessor in office at the funeral service.

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A ‘reverse proof’ commemorative issue – this is the coin all 2-euro collectors wanted to have, but even those who paid for it could not get their hands on the coin. Photo: Monnaie de Paris

Monnaie de Paris Faces Criticism from Enthusiastic Collectors

As athletes around the world prepare to deliver top performances at the Olympic Games, the Monnaie de Paris – France’s prestigious mint – has disqualified itself in the eyes of many collectors for unsporting behaviour. What happened?

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Why Are There So Many Coins Depicting Saint George?

Saint George is one of the most popular saints of the Middle Ages and the early modern period. He is venerated by both Catholic and Orthodox Christians, the Druze and even Muslims. What do we know about this saint? Did he even exist? And why are there so many coins depicting him?
For the obverse of the 2022 20-Francs commemorative coin “Mani Matter”, various patterns were created, most of which are unique. They will be offered this fall at SINCONA.

SINCONA Offers Spectacular Swissmint Patterns

In its Auction 87, SINCONA AG showcases Swissmint patterns. They are truly remarkable as they are true patterns that were not produced for collectors but are natural by-products of the coin creation process.
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