Archive: People and Markets

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?

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In diesem Jahr werden die Salomon-Inseln zum ersten Mal die Pazifikspiele ausrichten. Hintergrund: Leocadio Sebastian / CC BY 2.0. Banknote: Zentralbank der Salomonen.

Solomon Islands New Banknote released in celebration of the XVII Pacific Games

The Central Bank of the Solomon Islands released new $10 commemorative banknotes to commemorate the XVII Pacific Games that the island country will hosting for the first time this year. The new banknote is expected to be widely circulated for use throughout the Solomon Islands.

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Warning Against Overpriced Coins: “Stick Figure” and “Woman on a Bull” Designs Aren’t Just Found in the Euro Zone

“Mega-rarity from your change” – sensational headlines like these frustrate coin collectors and dealers across Europe. Yet, it’s not just within the Eurozone that supposed rarities, often lacking genuine collector value, make waves.

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CIT’s Tiffany Art Metropolis – Seoul

CIT dedicates its fourth issue of the Tiffany Art Metropolis series to an Asian city. Following Paris, Rome and London, in 2024 CIT presents the metropolis of Seoul on the Han River.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

The Heidelberg Tun and Early Modern Winemaking

The most well-known symbol of the city of Heidelberg actually began as a sort of treasury: the Heidelberg Tun was built to accommodate the Palatinate’s tax revenue generated from winemaking. And then a Calvinist propagandist turned it into a tourist attraction. This is reflected in a medal that Künker will be auctioning on 29 September 2023.
Railway tunnel under Surami pass near the village Tsipa, Chkherimela valley, Georgia 2014. Image: Karel61 via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. In front: Silver medal commemorating the opening of the Suram Tunnel in 1890 by L. Steinman. Künker auction 408, No. 234.

For Railroad Fans: The Suram Tunnel

Railroad history is linked to numismatics in many ways. Fascinating large-scale projects were often celebrated with medals and commemorative coins. Our example takes us to Georgia: A medal that will be offered for auction by Künker commemorates the opening of the Suram Tunnel.
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