Archive: People and Markets

How the Romans Made Counterfeits

Counterfeits have been around in ancient Roman times, too – usually, they were cast from a copper-tin alloy. Researchers at the University of Tübingen examined the counterfeiting process and reconstructed it experimentally. A video documents their experiment.

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In Love With Japan

This year, Andrea Pancheri attended the Tokyo International Coin Convention for the first time on our behalf – and was absolutely thrilled by both the country and the event! Find out why here.

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Numismatica Centroeuropaea Conference in Legnica

On 16-19 September 2025, the eighth Numismatica Centroeuropaea Conference will take Place in Legnica, Poland. The topic is “Money of the Dynasties.” A dedicated webpage with up-to-date information on the conference is now available.

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Die Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (in der Mitte) ist das höchste Gebäude in Harare. Foto: Baynham Goredema aus Johannesburg, Südafrika / CC BY 2.0

Zimbabwe’s New Currency: Is the ZiG Doomed to Fail From the Start?

Zimbabwe has introduced a new currency that is supposed to win the trust of Zimbabweans as it is backed by gold. Michael Alexander explains the background and presents the new banknotes.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

25 Years Ago: Millennium Coins and the Dawn of a New Era

The transition to a new millennium captivated the numismatic world. Commemorative coins from that time were colourful and bold, as a brief glance at the past led to a high-speed journey into a high-tech future—only for things to turn out differently.
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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