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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The “Red Book” and Its Two Fathers

Kenneth Bressett’s memoir “A Penny Saved” celebrates the life of Bressett’s mentor, hobby legend Richard S. Yeo and author of the “Red Book”. Joel J. Orosz explains what numismatics owes both of them.

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Bulgaria Will Adopt the Euro in 2026

The euro area is expanding: On June 4, 2025, the European Central Bank confirmed that Bulgaria meets the requirements for joining the eurozone. This clears the way for the introduction of the euro on January 1, 2026 – provided that preparations can be completed in time.

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One of the coins seized during the police’s Operation Fantail. (Courtesy of Durham Constabulary.) Next to it, a passage from the biography of Alfred the Great written by Asser. The coin presents the prominent 9th-century ruler in a whole new light.

How Two Fraudsters Almost Changed England’s History

Two English metal detectorists attempted to sell off some illegally excavated coins. In a police operation straight out of a movie, the pair were caught and have now been sentenced. The seized coins present England’s King Alfred the Great in a totally different light.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Why Neuchâtel Is Not Part of France Today

It was a close call – Louis XIV would certainly have swallowed up Neuchâtel in today’s Switzerland if it had not been for Marie de Nemours’ fierce insistence on her rights. We explain the political situation and introduce you to the princess and her coinage. All the pieces shown come from the Bürki Collection and will be on offer in SINCONA’s Auction 95 on 24 October 2024.
The contents of a piggy bank from the Deutsche Mark era – a case for the Bundesbank exchange counter? Photo: Wieschowski.

Marks and Pfennigs in Your Inheritance: What Should Heirs Do with Old DM Coins?

When dealing with inheritances, it’s common for heirs to come across coins from the Deutsche Mark era –often, these Pfennigs and Marks can feel overwhelming. However, heading straight to the Bundesbank, where nearly all DM coins can be exchanged indefinitely, isn’t always the best option.
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