Archive: People and Markets

There are many ways of transporting gold. But you should never save on security measures. Source: Jazella / Pixabay

How Not To Handle a Gold Transport

Nearly a million euros worth of gold coins were transported in a carrier van to a precious metals dealer without any security measures. No prizes for guessing whether or not they actually got there. A lawsuit in Bavaria reveals how this could happen.

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Giant’s Causeway: A Natural Wonder at Risk – Because of Coins?

One of Britain’s most iconic natural landmarks is under threat – because tourists are decorating the famous basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway with coins. What may seem like a well-meaning gesture is now causing increasing damage to the geologically unique rock formation.

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ANS awards Collier Prize to Moneda Ibérica

For the second time, the American Numismatic Society awarded the Collier Prize to an outstanding book, catalog, or digital work in the field of ancient numismatics. This year, the honor went to Moneda Ibérica, a digital catalog for ancient coins of the Iberian Peninsula.

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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.

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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.
Napoleon III, painting by Alexandre Cabanel, around 1865. It was the favourite portrait of Empress Eugénie because it was the most accurate depiction of him.

French History in Coins – Part 3: A New Napoleon

Under Emperor Napoleon III, France experienced an economic upswing. The Paris cityscape was completely revamped, just as coin designs. The gold rush in the US thrust Europe’s silver money into a crisis. The answer came from France.
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