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 World’s Smallest Coin

Now it is official: Croatia’s 1-kuna coin dedicated to the town of Hum holds the Guinness World Record as the world’s smallest coin!

Environmental compatibility and sustainability are also playing an increasingly important role in money production. The “Green Banknote” from Giesecke+Devrient contains 86% less plastic and requires 29% less Co2.

G+D Receives IACA Award for the “Green Banknote”

The “Green Banknote”, developed by Giesecke+Devrient, was awarded by the International Association of Currency Affairs as the new best ecological sustainability project in the banknote sector. Why? Read on.

A Well-Known Scam Strikes Again: Gold Coins Worth 280,000 Euros Gone

Using a well-known scam, a fraudster tricked a German senior citizen into handing over gold coins worth 280,000 euros. Find out how the scam works and how you can protect yourself and others.

Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Record! South African Rarity Leaves All Previous Top Prices Far Behind

Recently, a South African coin was auctioned at Heritage for $1.8 million (excluding premium) – exceeding the previously highest known auction results for South African coins by a remarkable $1.5 million. What makes the “Single 9” such a rarity?
Sotheby’s, The One (2nd February 2024), lot 8: The 2nd May 1840 Penny Black Cover. Estimate: $1,500,000 – $2,500,000.

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.
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