Archive: People and Markets
Faust Vrančić: The Croatian Leonardo
Croatia issues two new collector coins as part of its “Croatian Innovators” series. They are dedicated to Faust Vrančić, a Croatian polymath whose parachute design, published in his 1595 book “Machinae novae”, is the first appearance of this device in a printed work.
The British Museum: When Theft Becomes PR
Once again, the BM made negative headlines: Ilé Sartuzi stole a coin unnoticed during a hands-on tour and declared this an artistic performance. A commentary by Ursula Kampmann.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Sisi and Franz: Commemorating the Dream Wedding that Was Actually a Nightmare
As part of the phaleristic auction 415 on 28 October 2024, Künker will be auctioning the set of gold medals that Emperor Franz Joseph presented to his father-in-law, Duke Maximilian Joseph in Bavaria. It is the numismatic souvenir of a wedding that turned out to be a nightmare for his daughter – young Elisabeth, who is better known as Sissi or Sisi today.

25 Francs in Gold: Swissmint’s New Gold Coin
Since 2022, Swissmint has been issuing 25-franc gold coins. The latest release is a tribute to the history of Swiss gold coinage, combining elements of the first 20-franc piece and the enigmatic 1955 issue, which never entered circulation. And Swissmint also has some interesting plans for the future, as Ursula Kampmann discovered.











Daniel Frank Sedwick, LCC
Daniel Frank Sedwick, LCC⸱ Auction 35⸱ 7-9 May 2024 ⸱ US-Winter Park
The Daniel Frank Sedwick Auction 35 contains a wide variety of rare, historical, and even unique coins, currency, and artifacts, including shipwreck coins and gold and silver cobs.
John Highfill († 15 June 2025)
Tulsa, Oklahoma rare coin dealer John Highfill, founder of the National Silver Dollar Roundtable and author of a landmark 1,200-page reference book, The Comprehensive U.S. Silver Dollar Encyclopedia, passed away on June 15, 2025. He was 82.