Archive: People and Markets
Researchers Analyse the Myth About the Massive Illicit Trade in Antiquities
An extensive new study shows that the scale of the illicit trade in antiquities is much smaller than activists claim. The study demonstrates how these false numbers came about, and how we actually should deal with the problem of the illicit trade in antiquities.
The Mint of Finland is Dead, Long Live the Helsinki Mint
September brought bad news for the numismatic world: the Mint of Finland, once a prolific producer of circulation coins for numerous euro countries, announced it would cease operations. Many questions have since remained unanswered – but one key point is now clear: the future of Finnish coin production has been decided.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

The Turks, the Bohemian Estates and Two Gnadenpfennigs by Ferdinand I
SINCONA’s spring auction will be held from 13 to 15 May 2024. Among other highlights, two extremely rare gold gnadenpfennigs by Ferdinand I are on offer. The multiple coins with a weight of 10 and 15 gold gulden are among the great treasures of Habsburg numismatics. We share their story.

Why Are There So Many Coins Depicting Saint George?
Saint George is one of the most popular saints of the Middle Ages and the early modern period. He is venerated by both Catholic and Orthodox Christians, the Druze and even Muslims. What do we know about this saint? Did he even exist? And why are there so many coins depicting him?











Coins of the Islamic Lands From the Nasser D. Khalili Collection
The Khalili Collection of Islamic Art is one of the most comprehensive of its kind, and its Islamic coinage is among the finest in private hands. A catalog featuring highlights from the early period of Islamic Coinage has now been published, including many rare and unpublished specimens.
Pop-Up Expo at the Royal Library of Belgium: The Past in Metal
The Department of Coins & Medals at the Royal Library of Belgium (KBR) invites you on a journey through Belgium’s history via coins – from the ancient Eburones to emergency money from the Eighty Years’ War and objects used as currency in colonial Congo.