Archive: People and Markets

How the Romans Made Counterfeits

Counterfeits have been around in ancient Roman times, too – usually, they were cast from a copper-tin alloy. Researchers at the University of Tübingen examined the counterfeiting process and reconstructed it experimentally. A video documents their experiment.

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Many researchers were interested in the topic of the workshop. Photo: Alaa Aldin Al Chomari.

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.

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The South African Mint: Africa’s Largest Mint

At the end of my trip to South Africa, I have the unique opportunity to visit the South African Mint. I’m taking you along on my visit, and that’s something very special: normally, taking photos inside the South African Mint isn’t permitted!

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Data Breach During Sale of 2-Euro Coin in Cyprus: How to Avoid Server Crashes

Cyprus wanted to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its EU membership with a 2-euro coin – but the party turned into a fiasco. Even before the start of sales, the server crashed; at times, customers could see the data of other buyers, and to this day, it is unclear whether the central bank will make another attempt to sell the coins.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

The authentic piece from the past: the “Feierstëppler” could be found in circulation in Luxembourg for more than half a century. Photo: Wieschowski

A Coin on a Coin: Luxembourg to Resurrect the “Feierstëppler”

The Grand Duchy honours its past as a centre of the steel industry with a new 2-euro commemorative coin bearing the unwieldy title “100th anniversary of the Grand Ducal decree on the issue of the ‘Feierstëppler’”.
Some of the protagonists of the 30 Years' War depicted on coins. Coin photos: Künker (see further illustrations of the article). Background: copper engraving of the second battle of Breitenfeld on October 23, 1642, detail.

The Protagonists of the Thirty Years’ War: A Slightly Different Preview of Künker’s Auction 410

On 23 September 2024 Künker will auction off a breathtaking collection including many multiple gold coins, multiple talers and rare medals relating to the Thirty Years’ War. We present the most beautiful pieces, and explain why the men depicted on these issues took part in the Thirty Years’ War.
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