Archive: People and Markets
Researchers Analyse the Myth About the Massive Illicit Trade in Antiquities
An extensive new study shows that the scale of the illicit trade in antiquities is much smaller than activists claim. The study demonstrates how these false numbers came about, and how we actually should deal with the problem of the illicit trade in antiquities.
Coin Dealer Italo Vecchi Charged with Grand Larceny
Coin dealer Italo Vecchi has been indicted in Manhattan for first-degree grand larceny as well as other felonies. The charges are related to the trial against Richard Beale and the forged provenance of what used to be the world’s most expensive ancient coin.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

100 Yuan Lion Dance 1995: One of the Rarest Chinese Coins of Our Age
From 13 to 15 May 2024, Heidelberger Münzhandlung will hold its 88th auction sale. Among the highlights are some of the rarest contemporary issues from China, including the 100-yuan Lion Dance coin of 1995. 1,000 specimens should have been minted – but in the end, only 138 were produced.

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 Fascinating World of Insects and Minting Errors: The Misaligned Stag Beetle
A year ago, the paint on coins from the “Fascinating World of Insects” series began to flake off. Now, new anomalies have surfaced—ones that experts find only partially explainable.
From a Collector’s Market to an Investor’s Market: Reasons, Consequences, Opportunities, Part 2
Today we continue Ursula Kampmann’s analysis of the change from collector to investor market with the second part. Find out how the market for American coins became a perfect investor’s market.