Archive: People and Markets
Dr. Albert J. Beck (1935-2024)
Dr. Albert (“Al”) J. Beck passed on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Our friends from Stephen Album Rare Coins shared this obituary for their colleague with us.
A Visit to the Japan Mint
Japan is a country where cash still plays an important role. Therefore, the Japan Mint is not a single institution but consists of several branches. Ursula Kampmann visited their offices in Saitama. Join her on a tour through the mint!
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

The Borki Train Disaster
On 29 October 1888, the Russian imperial train derailed near the village of Borki. 23 people lost their lives. The tsar’s family survived. A medal commemorates the event. It will be offered by the Künker auction house on 1 February 2024.

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.















CIT Legends: Aztec Empire
CIT’s Legends series is a feast for the eyes for all those who love to immerse themselves in a coin design. The fourth release of the series is dedicated to the Aztecs, the legendary people who offered blood sacrifices to assure the rising of the sun each day.
Provenanced Coin Finds Versus Rarities – The Importance of Coin Finds for Historical Statistics
Reporting coin finds is essential for the study of coinage. A Workshop in Jordan discussed the importance of coin finds for historical statistics and the experience of a group of Syrian archaeologists who turned to one of the most important groups of coin finders: children.