Archive: People and Markets
Foreign Coin Production Ends at the Royal Mint – The End of an Era or Another Step Closer to a Cashless Economy?
The Royal Mint has announced that it will no longer produce coins for other countries, ending a business model that it has operated for 700 years. Michael Alexander puts this development into perspective.
An “Error Coin” No Collector Is Happy About
The quality of the country’s collector coins is the subject of heated debate in Germany. This regards silver coins and colour issues. But the problem is not limited to German mints – the phenomenon of “milk spots” in particular is a major concern for coin producers around the world.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Between Triumph and Tragedy – Maximilian II Emanuel, “The Prince of Bankrupts”
Maximilian II Emanuel of Bavaria, known as gifted general, an avid builder, and a passionate collector of art, led a turbulent life. Medals offered in Auction 18 of Leu Numismatik AG reflect both the heights and humiliations of Maximilian’s military campaigns in southern Germany.

The Birth of the Krugerrand
The South African Krugerrand is the world’s oldest bullion coin. When it was first minted in 1967, the concept of producing a coin that matched the weight of an investment unit – one ounce – was both new and innovative. Learn more about the economic background and the meaning of its design here.











Putting Survival Ratios of Ancient Coinages Into Perspective – Call for Papers
The 7th International Numismatic Conference of the Coin Cabinet of the Royal Library of Belgium takes place on 5 October 2024 and will focus on survival ratios of ancient coinages. Proposals for submissions are expected by 1 December 2023.
British Celtic Coins: Art or Imitation?
The peoples of pre-Roman Britain remain an enigma, and the same is true for their coins. Tim Wright wrote a new book on British Celtic Coins which will soon be published by Spink Books. Read his introduction on the topic here.