Archive: People and Markets

Gold bars at the supermarket? A growing success in the U.S. for over a year. Photo credit: Global_Intergold (foreground) via pixabay, Leung Cho Pan (background) via Canva Pro.

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.

Read more

Will Germany Abolish the 1 and 2 Cent Coins?

We Germans still like to pay with cash, but like in many other countries, the 1 and 2 cent coins are unpopular. The important National Cash Forum has now spoken out in favor of their de facto abolition. Read here how cash transactions would change in practice.

Read more
Das Vorbild für die Darstellung ist ein Ausschnitt der Darstellung des „fliegenden Menschen“ der Machinae novae von 1595. Foto: © Branimir Kralj / Kroatische Münzstätte.

Faust Vrančić: The Croatian Leonardo

Croatia issues two new collector coins as part of its “Croatian Innovators” series. They are dedicated to Faust Vrančić, a Croatian polymath whose parachute design, published in his 1595 book “Machinae novae”, is the first appearance of this device in a printed work.

Read more

CIT’s new Smartminting® 4.0: Iron Knight

With Iron Knight, CIT has taken the ultra-high relief to the next level: thanks to smartminting® 4.0, an unprecedented relief of 9 mm can now be achieved. This is 50% more than what was possible with the prior version of smartminting®.

Read more

Archive: Coins, Medals and more

What Will Be Depicted on Croatia’s Euro Coins?

In 2023, Croatia will become the youngest member of the euro zone. The themes of Croatia’s euro coins have already been chosen – and one of them has stirred up controversy. Let’s find out how Croatia presents itself to Europe on its new coins.

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.
Search Search