Archive: People and Markets
Vatican Plans a Comeback: New Online Shop Launches in July
This move has nothing to do with the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV but has been in preparation for months: Starting in July 2025, the Vatican will resume sales of its philatelic and numismatic products.
ICOMON Annual Conference 2023: Call for Papers
The 2023 ICOMON annual conference will be held in November in Malaysia. Speakers are now invited to send their abstracts on the theme: Reinforcing Museum’s sustainable competitiveness in the peak of digitization & social/global challenges.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

The First Piece of Mail Sent Using a Stamp to Be Offered at Sotheby’s
A Penny Black affixed to a Mulready envelope is among the most valuable items in Philately ever offered at auction. The earliest posted envelope using a prepaid stamp, dating to 1840, will be sold at Sotheby’s with an estimate of $1.5–2.5 million.











Access to Cash Becoming More Difficult: Bundesbank Sees Growing Challenges
Despite declining numbers of ATMs and bank branches, the Bundesbank currently still considers access to cash in Germany to be secure. However, in its March 2025 monthly report, it warns of clear downward trends.
Vatican Plans a Comeback: New Online Shop Launches in July
This move has nothing to do with the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV but has been in preparation for months: Starting in July 2025, the Vatican will resume sales of its philatelic and numismatic products.