Archive: People and Markets

Gilded silver plate, Iran or Afghanistan, probably Parthian or Early Sasanian, probably 2nd–3rd century. © The Trustees of the British Museum.

“Luxury and Power: Persia to Greece” at the British Museum

Over centuries the Persian empire and the Greeks had many conflicts. But nevertheless they influenced each other in many ways, as coins and works of art document. A major exhibition at the British Museum explores the relationship between luxury and power in this time.

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Call for Papers: Conference on Ancient Coin Legends in June 2025

From 26th to 28th June 2025 the conference “Ancient coin legends: composition, design, lexicography, and framing potential” will be held in Munich. Abstracts can be sent in until October 31st 2024.

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New Issues From Croatia: Halubje Bell Ringers to Chase Away the Winter

Croatia has a unique carnival tradition. Masked figures chase away the winter with their large bells. These bell ringers have been on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List since 2009. The Croatian Mint dedicates three commemorative coins to them, issued on 18 February 2025.

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In 2022, Tokyo citizens handed in to police record ¥4 billon of lost cash. Image by David Mark from Pixabay.

Tokyo Sets New Record for Lost Cash Handed In

If you loose your cash let’s hope it happens in Tokyo. Then chances are good you get it back. Maybe in no other city in the world people hand in so much lost cash to police. There are good reasons why they do it.

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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.
Sotheby’s, The One (2nd February 2024), lot 8: The 2nd May 1840 Penny Black Cover. Estimate: $1,500,000 – $2,500,000.

The First Piece of Mail Sent Using a Stamp to Be Offered at Sotheby’s

A Penny Black affixed to a Mulready envelope is among the most valuable items in Philately ever offered at auction. The earliest posted envelope using a prepaid stamp, dating to 1840, will be sold at Sotheby’s with an estimate of $1.5–2.5 million.
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