Archive: People and Markets
A Historic Unique Piece Offered for Shared Ownership – A Model for the Future?
A US coin dealer is offering co-ownership shares in a top rarity: shareholders can even choose their desired piece of a rare $100,000 gold certificate.
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

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.

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.











Vatican Plans a Comeback: New Online Shop Launches in July
This move has nothing to do with the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV but has been in preparation for months: Starting in July 2025, the Vatican will resume sales of its philatelic and numismatic products.
New Coin From Slovakia: 80th Anniversary of the Vrba-Wetzler Report
In the summer of 1944, the world became aware of the Holocaust thanks to two young Slovaks: Rudolf Vrba and Alfréd Wetzler. The National Bank of Slovakia honors them with €10 collector coin, produced by the Kremnica Mint. The coin represents many things – bravery, moral courage, responsibility and the power of public opinion.