Archive: People and Markets
Gold Bar from Famous Shipwreck Comes Under the Hammer
In 1622, the Nuestra Señora de Atocha sank off the coast of Key West along with all the treasures on board. Sedwick is now auctioning off one of the largest gold bars ever recovered.
Bulgaria Will Adopt the Euro in 2026
The euro area is expanding: On June 4, 2025, the European Central Bank confirmed that Bulgaria meets the requirements for joining the eurozone. This clears the way for the introduction of the euro on January 1, 2026 – provided that preparations can be completed in time.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

From Taler to Mark: The Long Road to a Common Currency
As Germany gradually evolved into a nation-state in the 19th century, the many currencies that circulated in its territories were also unified step by step. Coins from the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in Künker’s auction 388 illustrate the long path from the taler to the mark.

Coins on Coins: When Numismatic Legends Are Reborn
Switzerland receives much acclaim for its redesign of the 100-franc Vreneli. Yet, success is not a given—numerous challenges arise for mints and artists alike.










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?
Sack & Kiesselbach at the World Money Fair
What does it mean for a technical supplier of the minting industry to set up a booth at the World Money Fair? Markus Schlein, CEO of Sack & Kiesselbach, explains how he prepares for the event and how he experiences the WMF.