Archive: People and Markets

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.

Read more

Leu Numismatik Sponsors the New Friedrich Imhoof-Blumer Fellowship in Winterthur

Leu Numismatik is supporting the new Friedrich Imhoof-Blumer Fellowship at the Coin Cabinet in Winterthur, which will be awarded for the first time in 2025. The fellowship, endowed with CHF 3,000, is aimed at early-career researchers working on a numismatic project. Application deadline: June 30, 2025.

Read more

A Visit to the Japan Mint

Japan is a country where cash still plays an important role. Therefore, the Japan Mint is not a single institution but consists of several branches. Ursula Kampmann visited their offices in Saitama. Join her on a tour through the mint!

Read more

Donald Trump: Now Also a Coin Dealer and Designer

Supporters of the Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump can now show their backing numismatically: following sneakers and trading cards, Trump has now launched a commemorative medal under the “Trump Coins” brand.

Read more

Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Napoleon III, painting by Alexandre Cabanel, around 1865. It was the favourite portrait of Empress Eugénie because it was the most accurate depiction of him.

French History in Coins – Part 3: A New Napoleon

Under Emperor Napoleon III, France experienced an economic upswing. The Paris cityscape was completely revamped, just as coin designs. The gold rush in the US thrust Europe’s silver money into a crisis. The answer came from France.
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.
Search Search