Archive: People and Markets

John Highfill († 15 June 2025)

Tulsa, Oklahoma rare coin dealer John Highfill, founder of the National Silver Dollar Roundtable and author of a landmark 1,200-page reference book, The Comprehensive U.S. Silver Dollar Encyclopedia, passed away on June 15, 2025. He was 82.

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The so-called Madara Rider is to be depicted on Bulgaria’s cent coins. Photo: Octopus / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Bulgaria and the Euro: the Current Situation

The plan was for Bulgaria to become a member of the eurozone by January 2024. However, this timeline will not be met. Find out more about the state of negotiations and the motifs that will be depicted on future Bulgarian euro coins.

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Delighted congress participants. Photo: Johannes Nollé.

A Numismatic Congress That Will Be Remembered

The 3rd International Congress on the History of Money and Numismatics of the Research Center for Mediterranean Cultures (AKMED) took place in Antalya at the beginning of April. Prof. Johannes Nollé reports on why he believes this congress will remain unforgettable for all participants.

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The Brasher Doubloon, graded by NGC. Photo: CCG.

The Certified Collectibles Group: More than Coins and Comic Books

In 2021, the Certified Collectibles Group surprised the numismatic community by announcing that the Blackstone investment firm would become a majority shareholder. This raised the question of what this might mean for the coin market. Ursula Kampmann was in Sarasota to visit the new Certified Collectibles Group.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Franz Joseph und Sisi, gemalt von Franz Xaver Winterhalter. Davor Rückseite der Hochzeitsmedaille aus dem offiziellen Erinnerungs-Set, aus Auktion Künker 415 (28. Oktober 2024), Nr. 361.

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.
Bei genauer Betrachtung können Münzen besondere Merkmale aufweisen, die sich entweder gut oder schlecht auf ihren Wert auswirken. Diese zu erkennen und mit den richtigen Begriffen benennen zu können ist wichtig für jeden Münzsammler. Achtung, Bronzepest kann ihre Sammlung zerstören! Foto: Shutterstock.

Cleaning, Patina, Verdigris etc.: Which Errors Affect the Price of a Coin? – Part 2

The price of a coin does not only depend on its rarity and quality. In the second part of our overview we will talk about wear and tear, cleaning and the consequences of environmental processes.
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