Archive: People and Markets

Photo: Sebastian Wieschowski

German Collector Coins – Where Are the Collectors?

Every few months, Germany’s latest collector coins can be bought at face value at the counters of the Bundesbank. Sebastian Wieschowski has been on site as a collector and roving reporter for many years. He wonders: why do fewer and fewer coin enthusiasts want to be there when new additions to their own collections are being released?

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Ten years after taking office, King Felipe treats himself to a facelift on Spanish commemorative coins. Photo: FNMT

King Felipe Unshaven: New Commemorative Coins from Spain

Spain has presented its first commemorative coins for 2024 – and the designs show an interesting detail.

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2023 Was a Record Year for Archaeological Finds in the UK

The British Museum has launched the latest Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) Annual Report, showing a record high of 74,506 finds recorded by the public in 2023. See some of the highlights here.

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Giant’s Causeway: A Natural Wonder at Risk – Because of Coins?

One of Britain’s most iconic natural landmarks is under threat – because tourists are decorating the famous basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway with coins. What may seem like a well-meaning gesture is now causing increasing damage to the geologically unique rock formation.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

From Taler to Mark: The Long Road to a Common Currency

As Germany gradually evolved into a nation-state in the 19th century, the many currencies that circulated in its territories were also unified step by step. Coins from the Duchy of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in Künker’s auction 388 illustrate the long path from the taler to the mark.
The authentic piece from the past: the “Feierstëppler” could be found in circulation in Luxembourg for more than half a century. Photo: Wieschowski

A Coin on a Coin: Luxembourg to Resurrect the “Feierstëppler”

The Grand Duchy honours its past as a centre of the steel industry with a new 2-euro commemorative coin bearing the unwieldy title “100th anniversary of the Grand Ducal decree on the issue of the ‘Feierstëppler’”.
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