Archive: People and Markets

Das Vorbild für die Darstellung ist ein Ausschnitt der Darstellung des „fliegenden Menschen“ der Machinae novae von 1595. Foto: © Branimir Kralj / Kroatische Münzstätte.

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.

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The representative of Guinness World Records hands over the certificate for the world’s smallest coin to Robert Blaic, CEO of the Croatian Mint. Photo: Croatian Mint.

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!

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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.

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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.

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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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