Archive: People and Markets

Ruthenium on Euro Commemorative Coins: Mints Turn to Innovative Finishes – with the Blessing of Central Banks

Coins with exotic precious metal coatings have long been viewed with skepticism, but Malta has now set a new trend with a galvanised commemorative coin. Other eurozone countries are also embracing innovative finishing techniques to capture contemporary tastes.

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The National Archaeological Museum of Athens would be affected by the planned change in law. Alongside other major museums, it is to become more autonomous but, in turn, will be largely on its own when it comes to its finances. The bill of the Minister of Culture and archaeologist Lina Mendoni is being hotly debated. Photo: Erik Drost / CC BY 2.0

Greek Museums Between Commercialisation and Modernisation

Five of Greece’s most important museums are to become more autonomous and operate independently of state funding. A bill of the Greek government to this effect has been hotly debated and led to strikes.

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Unrealistic or soon to be found in European cash? This is an AI-generated image of a 2-euro commemorative coin on the subject of “defence”. Picture created with Image Generator Pro / ChatGPT

A Military Motif in Circulation – Or: How Political Should 2-Euro Coins Be?

Lithuania is planning to design a 2-euro commemorative coin for defense “against foreign armed forces”. Critics fear a numismatic mobilization – and are eagerly awaiting a possible veto from other euro countries. But have there ever been comparable cases?

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Double Beginner’s Luck: Man Wins Metal Detector and Finds Hundreds of Coins

A Dorset man was lucky enough to experience two windfalls this spring. First he won an expensive metal detector in a prize draw, then – just a short time later – he made a valuable find with it.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

On 29 October 1888, the Russian imperial train derailed near the village of Borki. 23 people lost their lives. The tsar’s family survived. A medal commemorates the event. It will be offered by the Künker auction house on 1 February 2024.

The Borki Train Disaster

On 29 October 1888, the Russian imperial train derailed near the village of Borki. 23 people lost their lives. The tsar’s family survived. A medal commemorates the event. It will be offered by the Künker auction house on 1 February 2024.
Obverse of: Ousanas I, circa 325-345. Chrysos. Leu Auction 14 (2023), lot 279.

An Introduction to Axumite Coinage

With the collection of Dr. Stephan Coffman, a highly significant ensemble of coins from the great ancient African kingdom of Axum is sold at Leu Numismatik. Learn more about the history of Axum and the often disregarded Axumite Coinage in this detailed article.
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