Archive: People and Markets
Provenanced Coin Finds Versus Rarities – The Importance of Coin Finds for Historical Statistics
Reporting coin finds is essential for the study of coinage. A Workshop in Jordan discussed the importance of coin finds for historical statistics and the experience of a group of Syrian archaeologists who turned to one of the most important groups of coin finders: children.
Researchers Analyse the Myth About the Massive Illicit Trade in Antiquities
An extensive new study shows that the scale of the illicit trade in antiquities is much smaller than activists claim. The study demonstrates how these false numbers came about, and how we actually should deal with the problem of the illicit trade in antiquities.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

The Bending Willow Tree
On 29 January 2025, Künker is going to auction off a unique willow tree coin. The reverse of the 10-ducat piece depicts a willow tree in a storm. But what is the message that William V, the Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel on whose behalf the coin was created, wanted to convey with this issue?

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.










CAC Grading Service Begins Full Operations
With their famous green stickers, CAC was previously known mainly for the evaluation of high-grade coins already certified by other grading services. After a test phase, CAC has now fully launched its own grading service.
From a Collector’s Market to an Investor’s Market: Reasons, Consequences, Opportunities, Part 1
Complaining is of no use: change is coming, or may already be here. The question is how to deal with it. In order to develop smart strategies, one must be aware of what is actually happening and why. Ursula Kampmann summarizes the most important changes in the coin world in a loose series. Today: the shift from a collector to an investor market.