Archive: People and Markets

Hidden Coins Indicate the Destruction of a City

In the 4th century, the Jews revolted one last time against Roman rule. Now, for the first time, there is archaeological evidence of the destruction of the city of Lod during the suppression of the revolt – a hoard of coins recently found by Israeli archaeologists in the ruins of a building.

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This Panticapaeum stater was minted in the 4th century on the Crimea and was sold by auction house NAC in May 2023 for 5,390,000 CHF. Image courtesy of Numismatica Ars Classica.

Panticapaeum Stater Most Expensive Ancient Coin

A gold stater from the city of Panticapaeum is currently the most expensive ancient coin ever sold at auction. In May 2023, it was sold by Numismatica Ars Classica in Switzerland for the record sum of 5,390,000 CHF or ca. $6 million.

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Late antique bronze fragments are often interpreted as scrap or recycled material. Image: Universität Bonn.

Conference Report: Coining Values: Bronze between Money and Scrap

A conference in Bonn recently dealt with archaeological bronze finds on the outer borders of the Roman Empire. There is a lack of clarity as to how exactly they are to be understood: were the bronze pieces stashes of value or just waste metal rendered useless? Claire Franklin Werz reports.

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Helen Wang, Robert Bracey (Ed.), Look at the Coins! Papers in Honour of Joe Cribb on his 75th Birthday. Archaeopress Publishing Ltd. 2023. 236 pages, illustrated in colour throughout. Paperback, 205 x 290 mm. ISBN 9781803276106. £45.00.

Look at the Coins! Papers in Honour of Joe Cribb on his 75th Birthday

Joe Cribb is a well-known specialist in the monetary history of Asia. On the occasion of his 75th birthday, this volume has been prepared by friends and colleagues in appreciation of his contribution to the field, and especially for his support and guidance.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

The Madrid Mint Museum is a service of the FNMT, the Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre. Photo: Museo Casa de la Moneda.

The Casa de la Moneda Museum in Madrid

Are you interested in coins of Spain and the Hispanic world? Then we have an important address for you: the Museum of the Casa de la Moneda in Madrid, which is located on the premises of the Spanish mint.
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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