Archive: People and Markets

A ‘reverse proof’ commemorative issue – this is the coin all 2-euro collectors wanted to have, but even those who paid for it could not get their hands on the coin. Photo: Monnaie de Paris

Monnaie de Paris Faces Criticism from Enthusiastic Collectors

As athletes around the world prepare to deliver top performances at the Olympic Games, the Monnaie de Paris – France’s prestigious mint – has disqualified itself in the eyes of many collectors for unsporting behaviour. What happened?

Read more
Croatia launched a new coin series starting with The Old Town of Varaždin. Photo: Croatian Mint

2-Euro Ticker: New 2-Euro Coins in July 2024

Croatia excites 2-euro collectors with a new city series – and significant improvements in minting quality. Portugal’s online shop has not been running smoothly.

Read more

Access to Cash Becoming More Difficult: Bundesbank Sees Growing Challenges

Despite declining numbers of ATMs and bank branches, the Bundesbank currently still considers access to cash in Germany to be secure. However, in its March 2025 monthly report, it warns of clear downward trends.

Read more
Dunkle Wolken über dem British Museum? Eine solche Belagerungsklippe aus Newark wurde bei einer Hands-On Führung gegen eine Replik ausgetauscht. Das hier abgebildete Exemplar liegt im Münzkabinett Berlin und ist von 1646. Objektnummer 18268995, Aufnahme durch Christian Stoess. Hintergrund: hulkiokantabak via Pixabay.

The British Museum: When Theft Becomes PR

Once again, the BM made negative headlines: Ilé Sartuzi stole a coin unnoticed during a hands-on tour and declared this an artistic performance. A commentary by Ursula Kampmann.

Read more

Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Pattern of the First-Class Warrior Medal – A Previously Unknown Relic of German Colonial History

Leu’s first World Coins Floor Sale features a previously unknown pattern of a warrior merit medal for indigenous soldiers in German East Africa. This exceptional item provides rare insight into the early development of this obscure decoration.

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.
Search Search