Archive: People and Markets

Last-minute veto: the European Commission brought a halt to the minting of coins of 10, 20 and 50 cents due to the design of the European stars on the French obverse. Photo: MDP

French Error Coin: The Monnaie de Paris Coin Mishap

The French mint Monnaie de Paris had planned to introduce a new design for coins of 10, 20 and 50 cents in 2024, but a mishap with serious consequences occurred – and while the extent of the financial loss that ensued is still unknown, it is clear that it caused great damage to the mint´s image.

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CIT: The Last Issue in the Real Heroes Series – Astronaut

With the last issue of the Real Heroes series, CIT pays tribute to the courage of astronauts. The focus is on an iconic scene that was implemented with technical perfection as a reflection in the visor of a spacesuit.

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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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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?

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

What Do Gaming Counters Have to Do with Numismatics?

On 5 July 2025, Künker will offer a complete set of trictrac pieces at its auction 425. The ensemble is of great cultural and historical value. This prompts us to ask why gaming counters are part of the numismatic field – and what insights they can offer into the numismatic daily life of the early modern period.
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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