Archive: People and Markets

The Brasher Doubloon, graded by NGC. Photo: CCG.

The Certified Collectibles Group: More than Coins and Comic Books

In 2021, the Certified Collectibles Group surprised the numismatic community by announcing that the Blackstone investment firm would become a majority shareholder. This raised the question of what this might mean for the coin market. Ursula Kampmann was in Sarasota to visit the new Certified Collectibles Group.

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All the seven coins that were purchased by the National Museum of Denmark. Photo: National Museum of Denmark.

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!

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Fr. Henniker, Notes during a visit to Egypt, Nubia, the Oasis Boeris, Mount Sinai, and Jerusalem. 2nd Edition, London, 1824, X+352 S.

Sir Frederick Henniker: Notes during a visit to Egypt…

200 years ago, Sir Frederick Henniker embarked on his Grand Tour to the Middle East. His travelogue gives a vivid insight into the beginnings of cultural tourism and the antiquities trade. A specimen is currently being offered by Münzen & Medaillen GmbH.

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Professor Rory Naismith holding a Byzantine silver coin in the Fitzwilliam Museum. Photo: Adam Page.

Where Did Silver Come from in Early Medieval Europe?

In the mid-7th century, a veritable silver coin boom set off in the North Sea Region. So far, the question of where the silver for the coins came from was up for speculation. A new study provides concrete results.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Sotheby’s, The One (2nd February 2024), lot 8: The 2nd May 1840 Penny Black Cover. Estimate: $1,500,000 – $2,500,000.

The First Piece of Mail Sent Using a Stamp to Be Offered at Sotheby’s

A Penny Black affixed to a Mulready envelope is among the most valuable items in Philately ever offered at auction. The earliest posted envelope using a prepaid stamp, dating to 1840, will be sold at Sotheby’s with an estimate of $1.5–2.5 million.
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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