Archive: People and Markets

A ‘reverse proof’ commemorative issue – this is the coin all 2-euro collectors wanted to have, but even those who paid for it could not get their hands on the coin. Photo: Monnaie de Paris

Monnaie de Paris Faces Criticism from Enthusiastic Collectors

As athletes around the world prepare to deliver top performances at the Olympic Games, the Monnaie de Paris – France’s prestigious mint – has disqualified itself in the eyes of many collectors for unsporting behaviour. What happened?

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Professor Rory Naismith holding a Byzantine silver coin in the Fitzwilliam Museum. Photo: Adam Page.

Where Did Silver Come from in Early Medieval Europe?

In the mid-7th century, a veritable silver coin boom set off in the North Sea Region. So far, the question of where the silver for the coins came from was up for speculation. A new study provides concrete results.

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Die Unterwasserarchäologen bei der Arbeit. Foto: Ufficio Stampa e Communicazione MiC

Archaeologists in Awe at the Sight of Sardinia’s Folles Hoard

Italian archaeologists are calling it one of the most important finds in recent years: up to 50,000 bronze coins dating from the 4th century have been discovered off the Sardinian coast. Apart from the outstanding size of this hoard, the coins’ condition is also astonishing.

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PNG Advisory: No, You Don’t Have A $124 Million Penny

Recent online stories about pennies allegedly worth $124 million and billion-dollar 1976 Bicentennial quarter dollars are either false or grossly misleading, advises the Professional Numismatists Guild.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Why Neuchâtel Is Not Part of France Today

It was a close call – Louis XIV would certainly have swallowed up Neuchâtel in today’s Switzerland if it had not been for Marie de Nemours’ fierce insistence on her rights. We explain the political situation and introduce you to the princess and her coinage. All the pieces shown come from the Bürki Collection and will be on offer in SINCONA’s Auction 95 on 24 October 2024.

The Wedding of a Century in Saxony

In the days of absolutism, a feast was not simply a gathering of friends and family. It was a political means of propagating one’s status. That is exactly what Augustus the Strong did in 1719. His son’s wedding was nothing but a welcome occasion.
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