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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Warning Against Overpriced Coins: “Stick Figure” and “Woman on a Bull” Designs Aren’t Just Found in the Euro Zone

“Mega-rarity from your change” – sensational headlines like these frustrate coin collectors and dealers across Europe. Yet, it’s not just within the Eurozone that supposed rarities, often lacking genuine collector value, make waves.

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From left to right: Raul Lopez Zafra (Ibercon), Rafael Sánchez (Nummus Secretary), Dr. Ursula Kampmann (CoinsWeekly), Dr. Ana Serrano (Nummus President), Juan Barez (Nummus Vice-President) and Ignacio Miño (Nummus Treasurer). Photo: MM.

NUMMUS – Spain’s New Numismatic Society

In March 2024, a new numismatic association was created in Spain with a strong commitment to private collectors as agents of cultural generation and heritage conservation. Find out more about the aims of NUMMUS here.

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A Holey Dollar Returns to Toruń – An Update on the Torún Coin Theft

The Australian Federal Police have announced that they have helped return a Holey Dollar from the Toruń theft to the city’s regional museum. Here is the latest news on the theft of at least 194 coins, which is currently being tried in court.

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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.
Image detail from “The last viaduct before entering the Trieste railway station”, image: SLUB Dresden. Public Domain Mark 1.0. PPN 337170053. In front: Double vereinstaler 1857. From Auction Künker 308, No. 471.

A Commemorative Coin Celebrating the Completion of Austria’s Southern Railway

Commemorative coins were issued far less frequently in the 19th century than today. The fact that Emperor Franz Joseph dedicated a commemorative coin to the Austrian Southern Railway is therefore testimony to the outstanding importance of this line. In auction 408, Künker is offering two of only 1,644 specimens minted.
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