Archive: People and Markets
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.
A Year of Gold Bars in US Supermarkets: Could the Costco Model Work in Europe?
Since autumn 2023, Americans have been able to invest in gold at the wholesale chain “Costco.” Those who bought then have enjoyed a handsome return – but whether gold will ever be sold at Aldi or Lidl in Europe remains uncertain.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Fascinating Change: The 50 State Quarters of the USA – a Milestone
By means of the 50 State Quarters, the US Mint succeeded in rekindling the people’s love of coins and bringing it to the next generation. What was so special about this series? Let’s look back.

The Turks, the Bohemian Estates and Two Gnadenpfennigs by Ferdinand I
SINCONA’s spring auction will be held from 13 to 15 May 2024. Among other highlights, two extremely rare gold gnadenpfennigs by Ferdinand I are on offer. The multiple coins with a weight of 10 and 15 gold gulden are among the great treasures of Habsburg numismatics. We share their story.










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.
Joachim Stollhoff († 2 November 2024)
On 2 November 2024, Joachim Stollhoff, owner of Münzen und Medaillen GmbH, passed away after a short and serious illness. In him, we have lost a coin dealer of the old school. Ursula Kampmann remembers a companion.