Archive: People and Markets
Smithsonian Acquires Largest Collection of Charleston Slave Badges
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture recently acquired what is thought to be the largest and most complete set of Charleston Slave Badges. A new website informs about the historical significance of these badges.
National Museum of Denmark Acquires Seven Coins of the Bruun Collection
The National Museum of Denmark used its right of first refusal to buy extremely rare coins from Lars Emil Bruun’s collection before they are to be sold at auction. Here you can see the seven extraordinary pieces!
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Joachimsthal and the Reformation
On 29 January 2025, Künker will auction a series of valuable Renaissance medals. They feature biblical topics and were minted in the region of Joachimsthal to spread the teachings of the Reformation. Johannes Mathesius, the author of Luther’s Table Talk, may have been at the origin of some of the motifs.

Münster, Osnabrück, Passau and the Counts of Lamberg
Münster, Osnabrück and Passau: How are these places related to the Counts of Lamberg? We use coins from Künker’s auction 424 to illustrate how noble families in the Holy Roman Empire climbed the social ladder in early modern times, and explain the reasons for and the consequences of such ascents.










Tokyo Sets New Record for Lost Cash Handed In
If you loose your cash let’s hope it happens in Tokyo. Then chances are good you get it back. Maybe in no other city in the world people hand in so much lost cash to police. There are good reasons why they do it.
Pobjoy’s 50 Pence Moon Coin
Pobjoy Mint has issued a 50 pence coin featuring the surface of the moon. The coin is available in two versions and comes with special permission granted by NASA.