Archive: People and Markets

Die Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (in der Mitte) ist das höchste Gebäude in Harare. Foto: Baynham Goredema aus Johannesburg, Südafrika / CC BY 2.0

Zimbabwe’s New Currency: Is the ZiG Doomed to Fail From the Start?

Zimbabwe has introduced a new currency that is supposed to win the trust of Zimbabweans as it is backed by gold. Michael Alexander explains the background and presents the new banknotes.

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Two Robberies in Two Days – French Museums Targeted by Criminals

Last week, two museums in France were robbed. The museums were helpless in the face of the criminals’ ruthless brutality. Is it even possible to protect our cultural heritage in this day and age?

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Swissmint as Guest of Honour at the World Money Fair

Modern coins for a modern Switzerland – that is the mission of Swissmint. As the guest of honour at the 2025 World Money Fair, Swissmint has many attractions in store for collectors and visitors. Read on to find out more.

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New Publication on Hallmarks of Gold Coinage in Serbia and Yugoslavia

After the work of countless renowned scholars, is it even possible to make new findings in the numismatics of Austria-Hungary and the Balkans? The Austrian Research Society for Numismatics says „yes!“ and proves this with Aleksandar Brzić’s new book on Serbian and Yugoslav hallmarks on gold coins from 1882 to 1941.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Coin-Embedded Tableware as Part of European Dining Culture

In European castles and treasure chambers, we often come across magnificent coin-embedded vessels. These items represent wealth and knowledge. Although their roots can be traced back to the Renaissance, it was not until the bourgeoisie of the 19th century that they came into their own.
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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