Archive: People and Markets
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?
Cristiano Ronaldo on a Commemorative Coin from Portugal? Controversy Surrounds an AI Fake
A purported special edition coin honouring the world-famous football icon is making headlines. However, it’s unlikely that Ronaldo and his peers will ever appear in your change – and there are compelling reasons for this.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

What People Used to Pay With in South Africa
Coins are only the most recent of the many means of payment used in South Africa. And yet, there is much to be told about the country’s numismatic past. We tell the story of South African means of payment from glass beads to the rand.

Silver for Württemberg
In the early modern period, much of the Black Forest, an idyllic mountain range in southwestern Germany, was a booming industrial center. A major part of the silver used to mint Württemberg coins came from this region. The Heinz-Falk Gaiser Collection, on offer at Künker on 23 September 2024, includes many coins made from Black Forest silver.










The British Museum: When Theft Becomes PR
Once again, the BM made negative headlines: Ilé Sartuzi stole a coin unnoticed during a hands-on tour and declared this an artistic performance. A commentary by Ursula Kampmann.
Fiasco – A Cautionary Tale of What’s to Come Once the New EU Import Regulation Comes Into Force
If you want to get an idea of how enforcement might work under the European Union’s new import licensing regulation after June 28, 2025, here is a cautionary tale, shared by Ivan Macquisten.