Archive: People and Markets

Germany’s New Platform Tax Transparency Act: A Problem for eBay Coin Dealers?

Germany’s new Platform Tax Transparency Act has caused great concern among German coin collectors. Will they have to explain themselves to the tax authorities whenever they sell pieces of their collection? In most cases, the answer is no. Unless their hobby turns into a regular side-line.

Friedrich Popken (1940-2024)

On 27 July 2024, Friedrich Popken passed away at the age of 84. As well as being a well-known entrepreneur, he was also a highly esteemed coin collector who supported and promoted many numismatic projects. An obituary by Fritz Rudolf Künker.

Training Exercise for Cultural Heritage Response Unit

The German Archaeological Institute (DAI), in cooperation with the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), is building an emergency response unit to provide rapid assistance in the event of disasters around the world. In a fictious earthquake scenario, experts were recently trained in how to protect and preserve cultural heritage.

Gilded silver plate, Iran or Afghanistan, probably Parthian or Early Sasanian, probably 2nd–3rd century. © The Trustees of the British Museum.

“Luxury and Power: Persia to Greece” at the British Museum

Over centuries the Persian empire and the Greeks had many conflicts. But nevertheless they influenced each other in many ways, as coins and works of art document. A major exhibition at the British Museum explores the relationship between luxury and power in this time.

Archive: Coins, Medals and more

What People Used to Pay With in South Africa

Coins are only the most recent of the many means of payment used in South Africa. And yet, there is much to be told about the country’s numismatic past. We tell the story of South African means of payment from glass beads to the rand.
Railway tunnel under Surami pass near the village Tsipa, Chkherimela valley, Georgia 2014. Image: Karel61 via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. In front: Silver medal commemorating the opening of the Suram Tunnel in 1890 by L. Steinman. Künker auction 408, No. 234.

For Railroad Fans: The Suram Tunnel

Railroad history is linked to numismatics in many ways. Fascinating large-scale projects were often celebrated with medals and commemorative coins. Our example takes us to Georgia: A medal that will be offered for auction by Künker commemorates the opening of the Suram Tunnel.
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