Archive: People and Markets

Giant’s Causeway: A Natural Wonder at Risk – Because of Coins?

One of Britain’s most iconic natural landmarks is under threat – because tourists are decorating the famous basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway with coins. What may seem like a well-meaning gesture is now causing increasing damage to the geologically unique rock formation.

Are Things Becoming Too Colourful? France and Portugal Issue 2-Euro Colour Coins

After six years, two Eurozone countries make use of the opportunity to design commemorative 2-euro coins with a special effect. Until now, official 2-euro coins with colour have been an absolute exception – for they are not at all liked to be seen in Brussels.

Euro Counterfeits: Fraudsters Increasingly Target Commemorative Coins

The number of counterfeit euro coins surged dramatically in 2023, with €2 coins—particularly commemorative issues—being the primary targets. Counterfeiters are employing increasingly sophisticated techniques, while investigators are analysing new varieties to track down illegal minting operations.

Medieval Coin Hoard Found in the Black Forest

In Southwest Germany, a significant medieval coin hoard was recently discovered, consisting of ca. 1,600 coins from the period around 1320 AD. The coin hoard is said to be the largest one found in South Baden in 75 years.

Archive: Coins, Medals and more

State-of-the-Art Minting Technology

Colours, special shapes, inlays, micro inscriptions, latent images and holograms – many technologies are used on commemorative coins today. In this article, we give you a little overview of the different technologies that are currently applied in the coin producing industry.

The Gnadenpfennig – An Object Between Decoration, Medal, and Coin

Gnadenpfennigs are an extremely rare category of numismatic objects. Künker is proud to offer nine lots in auction 418 on 29 January 2025 that are, or are likely to be, gnadenpfennigs. We explain the purpose of these issues and when they were created.
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