Archive: People and Markets
New Euro Banknotes – It Will Be One of These Two Themes
It is intended that euro banknotes are redesigned every 10 to 15 years. This is a long process that already has been going on for a while. The search is currently on for a theme for the future designs. Two finalists have now been chosen.
An “Error Coin” No Collector Is Happy About
The quality of the country’s collector coins is the subject of heated debate in Germany. This regards silver coins and colour issues. But the problem is not limited to German mints – the phenomenon of “milk spots” in particular is a major concern for coin producers around the world.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

A Commemorative Coin Celebrating the Completion of Austria’s Southern Railway
Commemorative coins were issued far less frequently in the 19th century than today. The fact that Emperor Franz Joseph dedicated a commemorative coin to the Austrian Southern Railway is therefore testimony to the outstanding importance of this line. In auction 408, Künker is offering two of only 1,644 specimens minted.

Switzerland’s Special Coin 200 Years Swiss Shooting Sport Federation Hits the Bull’s Eye
What do you think of when you hear “Switzerland” and “shooting”? Do you think of shooting talers, William Tell, and/or the Swiss Federal Shooting Competition? Vito Noto told Ursula Kampmann what came to mind when he created the design for the newest Swissmint coin.





















The Fascinating World of Insects and Minting Errors: The Misaligned Stag Beetle
A year ago, the paint on coins from the “Fascinating World of Insects” series began to flake off. Now, new anomalies have surfaced—ones that experts find only partially explainable.
Your Tax Dollars at Work
Is the State Department funding a crusade against private ownership of cultural goods in the U.S.? Peter Tompa explains how taxpayer money was used to justify cultural property Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) or “emergency import restrictions.”