Archive: People and Markets

This 5-pound gold bar recovered from the famous Atocha shipwreck sunk in 1622 is up for auction on May 7 in Daniel Frank Sedwick, LLC’s Treasure Auction 35. Painting in the background: „Atocha Meets Her Fate,” by Ralph Curnow (2009), from: Sedwick Treasure Auction #6 (2009), lot 1969.

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.

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Der Palazzo del Collegio Romano in Rom ist der Dienstsitz des Italienischen Kulturministeriums. Dessen Rechtsabteilung hat jetzt eine Stellungnahme abgegeben zur Frage, unter welchen Auflagen Münzen nach Italien eingeführt werden dürfen. Foto: Lalupa / CC BY-SA 3.0)

Legal Statement Issued on Italy’s Import Requirements for Coins

Italy requires such extensive documentation for the import of coins that many dealers prefer to avoid the country. But now, the Ministry of Culture in Rome has issued a legal statement that deserves some attention.

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Further Thefts at Royal Coin Cabinet Brought to Trial

The systematic thefts at the Royal Coin Cabinet in Stockholm were not committed by one single person. Another employee helped himself to some objects. At present, prosecutors are trying to prove the man stole coins worth more than 3.8 million Swedish kronor, including a Russian family ruble which sold for 510,000 SEK in 2009.

Malta issues a new series on fortified towns and on native species. Photo: Malta Coin Centre.

2-Euro Ticker: New 2-Euro Coins in August 2024

The 2-euro world is in a summer slump: only two new coins will be released in August, but there is good news for price-conscious collectors – interesting details were released about the issues of the coming months.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

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.

The Heidelberg Tun and Early Modern Winemaking

The most well-known symbol of the city of Heidelberg actually began as a sort of treasury: the Heidelberg Tun was built to accommodate the Palatinate’s tax revenue generated from winemaking. And then a Calvinist propagandist turned it into a tourist attraction. This is reflected in a medal that Künker will be auctioning on 29 September 2023.
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