Archive: People and Markets

Collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, Partial Gift of Harry S. Hutchins, Jr. DDS, Col. (Ret.) and his Family, dedicated to the individuals these Slave Hire Badges represent and their descendants.

Smithsonian Acquires Largest Collection of Charleston Slave Badges

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture recently acquired what is thought to be the largest and most complete set of Charleston Slave Badges. A new website informs about the historical significance of these badges.

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The coin shows two emperor penguins standing on the ice showcased in an extraordinary inverted relief.

Pobjoy Mints the World’s First Inverted 50 Pence Coin

Pobjoy Mint celebrates World Penguin Day with the world’s first inverted 50 pence coin. It features two emperor penguins.

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“Rich Man, Poor Man: Art, Class, and Commerce in a Late Medieval Town”. Photo by Bruce Schwarz Courtesy of The Met.

Rich and Poor in Early Tudor England

The Met Cloisters takes you into a merchant’s house in 16th-century England. Why did a rich man exhibit images of the poor? Intriguing objects tell us about tastes and self-expression. And you can expect coins to be there too!

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Introducing Nanoshine: CIT’s Butterfly

CIT’s Butterfly seems delicate, fragile and beautiful, just like its real-life model. The technical marvel behind it only becomes apparent at second glance. Nanoshine is a completely new technology with the potential to transform the aesthetics of coin design.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Third time’s the charm? After 2015 and 2019, Germany is once again issuing a coin commemorating German Unity. Photos: Wieschowski / Background: frankpeters from Getty Images via Canva Pro

Unity Coin Sows Discord: More Than Just a Matter of Taste?

The fall of the Berlin Wall and reunification are considered, despite occasional tensions between East and West, as a defining moment in German history, a cause for celebration for many Germans – but not, it seems, within certain corners of the German coin collecting community.
Railway tunnel under Surami pass near the village Tsipa, Chkherimela valley, Georgia 2014. Image: Karel61 via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. In front: Silver medal commemorating the opening of the Suram Tunnel in 1890 by L. Steinman. Künker auction 408, No. 234.

For Railroad Fans: The Suram Tunnel

Railroad history is linked to numismatics in many ways. Fascinating large-scale projects were often celebrated with medals and commemorative coins. Our example takes us to Georgia: A medal that will be offered for auction by Künker commemorates the opening of the Suram Tunnel.
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