Archive: People and Markets

Ruthenium on Euro Commemorative Coins: Mints Turn to Innovative Finishes – with the Blessing of Central Banks

Coins with exotic precious metal coatings have long been viewed with skepticism, but Malta has now set a new trend with a galvanised commemorative coin. Other eurozone countries are also embracing innovative finishing techniques to capture contemporary tastes.

Verdicts in the Dresden Jewel Heist Case

More than three years after the spectacular burglary at Dresden’s Green Vault, the Dresden Regional Court handed down a verdict on 16 May 2023. The return of part of the loot has paid off for the defendants. But many questions are still open.

At the centre of the indictment against Richard Beale is the provenance of the second-most expensive ancient coin in the world, an EID MAR aureus. From Roma Numismatics XX (2020), Lot 463. Hammer price: 3,240,000 pounds.

Coin Dealer Richard Beale Pleads Guilty

Richard Beale has pleaded guilty to a number of charges. At a court hearing in New York in August 2023, the British coin dealer admitted, among other things, to falsifying the provenance of an EID MAR aureus.

Retiring PNG Executive Director Robert Brueggeman got a kiss from long-time PNG member Kevin Lipton after Lipton announced Brueggeman is the 2023 PNG Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Photo credit: Donn Pearlman.

PNG 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award to Robert Brueggeman

Robert Brueggeman has been honored by the Professional Numismatists Guild with the 2023 Harvey G. Stack Lifetime Achievement Award. He was not the only numismatist to be honored with a PNG award.

Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Obverse of: Ousanas I, circa 325-345. Chrysos. Leu Auction 14 (2023), lot 279.

An Introduction to Axumite Coinage

With the collection of Dr. Stephan Coffman, a highly significant ensemble of coins from the great ancient African kingdom of Axum is sold at Leu Numismatik. Learn more about the history of Axum and the often disregarded Axumite Coinage in this detailed article.
The courtyard of the Alcazár of Seville was immortalised on a 2024 2-euro coin from Spain. Photo: Real Casa de la Moneda (coin), javarman3 / Getty Images Pro via Canva Pro

The Secret of the Success of State Quarters, UNESCO Coins and Federal State Series

25 years ago, the United States of America started a new chapter in numismatic history. Their State Quarters became the model for many other successful coin programs – including Spain’s UNESCO World Heritage Site series.
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