Archive: People and Markets
Black Lizard: The Second Issue of the Autochthonous Croatia Series
If you want to witness how Darwin’s natural selection works, there is no need to travel to the Galápagos Islands. The lizards on Croatian islands are just as diverse as Galápagos tortoises. The Croatian Mint has dedicated its latest issue of the Autochthonous Croatia series to a very special lizard species.
Hideo Futahashi (†2024)
We have only now learned that Hideo Futahashi has passed away. Mr. Futahashi was a key figure for Europeans looking to gain a foothold in the Japanese coin market. He was one of those open-minded Japanese who loved introducing European coin enthusiasts to the beauty of his country.
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.

The Bending Willow Tree
On 29 January 2025, Künker is going to auction off a unique willow tree coin. The reverse of the 10-ducat piece depicts a willow tree in a storm. But what is the message that William V, the Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel on whose behalf the coin was created, wanted to convey with this issue?





















Two Robberies in Two Days – French Museums Targeted by Criminals
Last week, two museums in France were robbed. The museums were helpless in the face of the criminals’ ruthless brutality. Is it even possible to protect our cultural heritage in this day and age?
PNG Advisory: No, You Don’t Have A $124 Million Penny
Recent online stories about pennies allegedly worth $124 million and billion-dollar 1976 Bicentennial quarter dollars are either false or grossly misleading, advises the Professional Numismatists Guild.