Archive: People and Markets

Last-minute veto: the European Commission brought a halt to the minting of coins of 10, 20 and 50 cents due to the design of the European stars on the French obverse. Photo: MDP

French Error Coin: The Monnaie de Paris Coin Mishap

The French mint Monnaie de Paris had planned to introduce a new design for coins of 10, 20 and 50 cents in 2024, but a mishap with serious consequences occurred – and while the extent of the financial loss that ensued is still unknown, it is clear that it caused great damage to the mint´s image.

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Oesterreichische Nationalbank (publisher): In God We Trust. Divine Money. Catalogue for the special exhibition in the money museum of the Oesterreichische Nationalbank. Self-published, Vienna 2023. 88 pp, colour illustrations, softcover, 24.5 x 19.5 cm.

In God We Trust

In God we trust. Do we still trust in God? In recent years, there has been much debate on whether coins and banknotes should continue to refer to divine powers. The Austrian National Bank dedicated an exhibition to the question of why money is so closely linked to religion. Ursula Kampmann takes a look at the catalogue.

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Donald Trump: Now Also a Coin Dealer and Designer

Supporters of the Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump can now show their backing numismatically: following sneakers and trading cards, Trump has now launched a commemorative medal under the “Trump Coins” brand.

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Taya Pobjoy, Im Hintergrund des Fotos Trophäen der vielen Erfolge der Münzstätte, beispielsweise die COTY-Auszeichnungen. Foto: Michael Alexander, London Banknote and Monetary Research Centre.

The End of Pobjoy Mint: An Interview with Taya Pobjoy

On 31 December 2023, Pobjoy Mint discontinued their operations. This marked the end of an era. In this interview, Taya Pobjoy explains why she decided to close down the mint and why she did not want to sell the company including her brand.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

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.

The Birth of the Krugerrand

The South African Krugerrand is the world’s oldest bullion coin. When it was first minted in 1967, the concept of producing a coin that matched the weight of an investment unit – one ounce – was both new and innovative. Learn more about the economic background and the meaning of its design here.
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