Archive: People and Markets
Metcalf Lecturer 2023/4: Benjamin Hellings
The Archaeological Institute of America named Benjamin Hellings this year’s Metcalf Lecturer. He is Curator of Numismatics at the Yale University Art Gallery and Chair of the AIA Numismatics Interest Group.
Will the International Coin Market Be Affected by the New US Tariff Policy?
America’s tariff regime is dominating the headlines. Yesterday morning (CET), when Ursula Kampmann wrote this article, many countries were under the threat of high punitive tariffs. As of yesterday evening (CET), this is no longer the case. But it is still interesting to consider what would happen in the coin market if punitive tariffs were imposed.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Sisi and Franz: Commemorating the Dream Wedding that Was Actually a Nightmare
As part of the phaleristic auction 415 on 28 October 2024, Künker will be auctioning the set of gold medals that Emperor Franz Joseph presented to his father-in-law, Duke Maximilian Joseph in Bavaria. It is the numismatic souvenir of a wedding that turned out to be a nightmare for his daughter – young Elisabeth, who is better known as Sissi or Sisi today.

The Great Elector, Taxes and the Rise of Prussia
On 1 February 2024, the Künker auction house will hold its 400th auction sale. Among the 770 lots are very rare issues from the reign of Frederick William of Brandenburg-Prussia. They bear witness to the achievements of the Great Elector, who brought prosperity to a realm devastated by the Thirty Years’ War.










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.
Evento Numismático Internacional
There is a new coin show aimed at the Spanish-speaking world: from 26 to 29 June 2024, the first Evento Numismático Internacional will take place at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Madrid, and will include a coin show, numerous presentations and an extensive cultural programme.