Archive: People and Markets
Happy Birthday! The IADAA Turns 30
The International Association of Dealers in Ancient Art (IADAA) celebrates its 30th anniversary. James Ede, one of the founding fathers, remembers his personal experiences in the association and the antiquities trade.
Between Tradition and the Demands of a New Economic World
The 32nd Mint Directors Conference took place in Cape Town from April 27th to 29th, 2025. It was the highlight of my numismatic journey through South Africa. In an international context, South Africa presented itself as a promising country of (numismatic) opportunities.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

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.

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.










CIT’s Lily Pad – Dragonfly
A dragonfly on a lily pad: CIT and B. H. Mayer use state-of-the-art minting technology to capture nature’s beauty in an awe-inspiring way.
Stack’s Bowers Moves Into New Hong Kong Office
Stack’s Bowers Galleries has relocated their Hong Kong headquarters. The new space is larger with a state-of-the-art auction facility. Opening will take place on October 11.