Archive: People and Markets

Largest Hoard of Ancient Gold Coins Discovered in Luxembourg

At the end of 2019, two amateur archaeologists in Luxembourg made an impressive discovery that has now been made public: 141 exceptionally well-preserved solidi from the last third of the 4th century. It is the largest hoard of ancient gold coins ever discovered in the Grand Duchy.

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Major State Exhibition at Two Museums in Trier: Marcus Aurelius

The state exhibition on Marcus Aurelius marks the opening of another world-class exhibition on ancient Rome in Trier. Who was the man whose Meditations became world literature? And what actually makes a “good ruler”, a quality which Marcus Aurelius is often said to embody?

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Fr. Henniker, Notes during a visit to Egypt, Nubia, the Oasis Boeris, Mount Sinai, and Jerusalem. 2nd Edition, London, 1824, X+352 S.

Sir Frederick Henniker: Notes during a visit to Egypt…

200 years ago, Sir Frederick Henniker embarked on his Grand Tour to the Middle East. His travelogue gives a vivid insight into the beginnings of cultural tourism and the antiquities trade. A specimen is currently being offered by Münzen & Medaillen GmbH.

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A Greek gold necklace with horned lion heads on each end. No, this object has not disappeared, but it is listed by the British Museum as „similar to those that are missing.“ Photo: Trustees of the British Museum

Can the British Museum Recover Their Lost Items?

Around 2,000 un-inventoried objects from the Greek-Roman collection of the British Museum were stolen. The museum recently announced the deployment of a task force and recovery program, but will these measures be enough to see the return of the lost objects?

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Münster, Osnabrück, Passau and the Counts of Lamberg

Münster, Osnabrück and Passau: How are these places related to the Counts of Lamberg? We use coins from Künker’s auction 424 to illustrate how noble families in the Holy Roman Empire climbed the social ladder in early modern times, and explain the reasons for and the consequences of such ascents.

25 Francs in Gold: Swissmint’s New Gold Coin

Since 2022, Swissmint has been issuing 25-franc gold coins. The latest release is a tribute to the history of Swiss gold coinage, combining elements of the first 20-franc piece and the enigmatic 1955 issue, which never entered circulation. And Swissmint also has some interesting plans for the future, as Ursula Kampmann discovered.
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