Archive: People and Markets

The First Ultra High Relief Coin with Partial Gilding of the Croatian Mint

On 24 January 2024, two “Trsat Dragon” collector coins were released. A new issue featuring the same motif has been added to the successful series on 14 November: the Croatian Mint presents its first coin with ultra high relief and with partial gilding.

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Unrealistic or soon to be found in European cash? This is an AI-generated image of a 2-euro commemorative coin on the subject of “defence”. Picture created with Image Generator Pro / ChatGPT

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?

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The Cape Mint: The Oldest Private Mint in South Africa

Did you think the South African Mint was the only mint in South Africa? That’s not true. In the heart of Cape Town, a small private mint fulfills all customer needs. I was privileged to visit the Cape Mint and met people there who take great pride in their work.

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Using Coins as Sources: The Roman Provinces, 300 BCE–300 CE

The series “Guides to the Coinage of the Ancient World” has a new volume. Andrew Burnett has published his work on Roman Provincial coins, highlighting the unique insights these coins provide into the Roman world. Order by the end of January for a 20% discount!

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

The Birth of the Krugerrand

The South African Krugerrand is the world’s oldest bullion coin. When it was first minted in 1967, the concept of producing a coin that matched the weight of an investment unit – one ounce – was both new and innovative. Learn more about the economic background and the meaning of its design here.
Contemporary allegory on the Great Elector Frederick William of Brandenburg.

The Great Elector, Taxes and the Rise of Prussia

On 1 February 2024, the Künker auction house will hold its 400th auction sale. Among the 770 lots are very rare issues from the reign of Frederick William of Brandenburg-Prussia. They bear witness to the achievements of the Great Elector, who brought prosperity to a realm devastated by the Thirty Years’ War.
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