Archive: People and Markets
Smithsonian Acquires Largest Collection of Charleston Slave Badges
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture recently acquired what is thought to be the largest and most complete set of Charleston Slave Badges. A new website informs about the historical significance of these badges.
Vote for the Theme of the New Euro Banknotes!
The ECB is developing a new series of Euro banknotes. As Europeans should identify with their currency, people are invited to express preferences on seven shortlisted themes in a public survey.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Oh Dear, I Think I’m Becoming a God! Numismatic Testaments to the Consecration of Roman Emperors
On 31 October 2024, Künker will auction off part 9 of the Dr. W.R. Collection. It presents Roman coins from the period between the civil war of 68/9 and the end of the Severan dynasty. The diverse material illustrates the numismatic traces of the consecration of Roman emperors.

The Turks, the Bohemian Estates and Two Gnadenpfennigs by Ferdinand I
SINCONA’s spring auction will be held from 13 to 15 May 2024. Among other highlights, two extremely rare gold gnadenpfennigs by Ferdinand I are on offer. The multiple coins with a weight of 10 and 15 gold gulden are among the great treasures of Habsburg numismatics. We share their story.










A Military Motif in Circulation – Or: How Political Should 2-Euro Coins Be?
Lithuania is planning to design a 2-euro commemorative coin for defense “against foreign armed forces”. Critics fear a numismatic mobilization – and are eagerly awaiting a possible veto from other euro countries. But have there ever been comparable cases?
End of “Cash Only”? Germany Plans Right to Digital Payment
Cash will remain important in Germany – but digital payment options are set to become mandatory. Germany’s federal government is working on new regulations. Are they truly intended to offer consumers more convenience – or are they also about gaining more control over payment flows?