Archive: People and Markets
These Are Japan’s New Banknotes
In April 2023, the Bank of Japan has presented the first specimens of the new banknotes, which will enter circulation in 2024. The 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen denominations will feature new motifs and new security features.
Customs Repatriation to Greece Raises Questions
U.S. Customs recently confiscated fifty-one ancient coins and repatriated them to the Greek Government. But was this act really covered by the MOU with Greece? Peter Tompa gives coin collectors some advises.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Marcus Antonius: The Loser Who Did Not Write History
Künker’s auction 419 features numismatic rarities from the Roman civil war that followed Caesar’s death. In addition to the Eid Mar denarius, aurei of Marcus Antonius will cross the auction block. We will re-tell his story – from his point of view, not that of Augustus.

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.
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.
Employees of Monnaie de Paris Launch Petition to Protect Their Site
“Hands off Monnaie de Paris” – with this clear message, Rodolphe Krempp, Deputy Sales Director at Monnaie de Paris, reached out to his contacts on the business network LinkedIn over the weekend.