Archive: People and Markets

Lithuania Effectively Abolishes One- and Two-Cent Coins – and Sparks a New Debate

Farewell to small change: another eurozone country is saying goodbye to the smallest cent coins. In Germany, the debate is also gaining momentum – whereas Austria remains relaxed and is observing developments.

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Is the EU Sleepwalking Into an Art Market Nightmare?

Enforcement of import licensing for cultural goods is just two years away, but many serious questions remain over what will happen. A detailed insight into a complicated matter.

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Euro Counterfeits: Fraudsters Increasingly Target Commemorative Coins

The number of counterfeit euro coins surged dramatically in 2023, with €2 coins—particularly commemorative issues—being the primary targets. Counterfeiters are employing increasingly sophisticated techniques, while investigators are analysing new varieties to track down illegal minting operations.

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Acquisition of a Highly Significant Ensemble for the Coin Cabinet in Vienna

The Kunsthistorisches Museum has acquired 22 coins of the imperial couple Regalianus and Dryantilla and made them digitally accessible. This is all the more impressive considering that only about 160 coins of this imperial couple are known worldwide. These are the only Roman coins that were minted in what is now Austria.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Women on Commemorative Coins: A Long Road to True Equality

Every year, International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March—and this week, numismatists also have a reason to celebrate. On 6 March, a German 20-euro coin was issued to mark the 50th anniversary of the International Women’s Year. This coin marks the beginning of a new German commemorative coin series under the theme "Influential Women". But does this mean that women have finally secured their place in the world of numismatics?
Napoleon III, painting by Alexandre Cabanel, around 1865. It was the favourite portrait of Empress Eugénie because it was the most accurate depiction of him.

French History in Coins – Part 3: A New Napoleon

Under Emperor Napoleon III, France experienced an economic upswing. The Paris cityscape was completely revamped, just as coin designs. The gold rush in the US thrust Europe’s silver money into a crisis. The answer came from France.
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