Archive: People and Markets

Last-minute veto: the European Commission brought a halt to the minting of coins of 10, 20 and 50 cents due to the design of the European stars on the French obverse. Photo: MDP

French Error Coin: The Monnaie de Paris Coin Mishap

The French mint Monnaie de Paris had planned to introduce a new design for coins of 10, 20 and 50 cents in 2024, but a mishap with serious consequences occurred – and while the extent of the financial loss that ensued is still unknown, it is clear that it caused great damage to the mint´s image.

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Two-Euro Ticker: New €2 Coins in January 2025

Fresh additions for €2 collectors – and a surprising twist: 2025 kicks off with an unexpected yet understandable change of plans from one issuing country.

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The British Museum suffered what was probably the largest theft in its history and a scandal that shook the institution to its core. Photo: hurk / Pixabay.

Red Alert at the British Museum

Thousands of objects have disappeared from the British Museum – allegedly stolen by a senior curator. The matter was uncovered by an antiquities dealer, whose warnings fell on deaf ears. The museum’s director has stepped down, and this seems to be merely the tip of the iceberg.

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Report of the 30th ICOMON Annual Conference in Stockholm

The International Committee of Money and Banking Museums (ICOMON) held its 30th Annual Conference in Stockholm from 25 to 28 September 2024. The Economy Museum, as host institution, welcomed over 110 participants and 42 speakers from over 30 countries across the globe.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

What People Used to Pay With in South Africa

Coins are only the most recent of the many means of payment used in South Africa. And yet, there is much to be told about the country’s numismatic past. We tell the story of South African means of payment from glass beads to the rand.
Friedrich III. auf seinem weißen Hengst bei der Verteidigung Kopenhagens 1659. Gemalt von Frederik Christian Lund, 1887. Bilder: Hintergrund: Wikimedia Commons / CC0. Münze: Auktion SINCONA 94 (22.-23. Oktober 2024), Nr. 1616.

Frederick III of Denmark and Eben Ezer

SINCONA’s Auctions 92 to 95 will take place from 21 to 25 October 2024. This article introduces one of the many rarities up for sale: a so-called “Ebenezer” coin from Denmark. The 4-Ducat piece is extremely rare and of great historical interest.
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