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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The Royal Library of Belgium (KBR). Image: EmDee via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0.

Putting Survival Ratios of Ancient Coinages Into Perspective – Call for Papers

The 7th International Numismatic Conference of the Coin Cabinet of the Royal Library of Belgium takes place on 5 October 2024 and will focus on survival ratios of ancient coinages. Proposals for submissions are expected by 1 December 2023.

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Have We Reached the Limit? 2-Euro Collectors Are Giving Up In the Face of a Myriad of Varieties

Collecting coins is a hobby that is not only educational but, at its best, should provide lasting pleasure. However, if you look at the relevant online forums, Facebook groups and Discord servers, you get the impression that more and more 2-euro collectors are no longer enjoying their hobby.

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Kurz vor der Eröffnung warteten bereits zahlreiche Sammler, Händler und Interessierte. Foto: Sebastian Wieschowski.

A Visit to the MIF International Money Fair

Not too long ago, the MIF International Money Fair was a banknote collector’s best kept secret. Today this banknote fair is a compulsory event on the calendar for dealers and collectors alike! Sebastian Wieschowski was there as Maastricht once again claims the title as the world’s Banknote trading capital – thanks to the MIF.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Silver for Württemberg

In the early modern period, much of the Black Forest, an idyllic mountain range in southwestern Germany, was a booming industrial center. A major part of the silver used to mint Württemberg coins came from this region. The Heinz-Falk Gaiser Collection, on offer at Künker on 23 September 2024, includes many coins made from Black Forest silver.

Münster, Osnabrück, Passau and the Counts of Lamberg

Münster, Osnabrück and Passau: How are these places related to the Counts of Lamberg? We use coins from Künker’s auction 424 to illustrate how noble families in the Holy Roman Empire climbed the social ladder in early modern times, and explain the reasons for and the consequences of such ascents.
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