Archive: People and Markets

France is the Guest of Honor at the World Money Fair 2024

In 2024, the World Money Fair will feature a country as guest of honor again: The Monnaie de Paris represents France at the world’s largest coin fair, taking place from February 2 to 4 at the Estrel Congress Center in Berlin.

Conference Report: Coining Values: Bronze between Money and Scrap

A conference in Bonn recently dealt with archaeological bronze finds on the outer borders of the Roman Empire. There is a lack of clarity as to how exactly they are to be understood: were the bronze pieces stashes of value or just waste metal rendered useless? Claire Franklin Werz reports.

Gunnar Dumke. Photo: Gunnar Dumke / City of Winterthur.

New Director of the Winterthur Coin Cabinet Appointed

Gunnar Dumke will be the new director of Winterthur Coin Cabinet. The ancient historian and archaeologist will succeed Benedikt Zäch, who is retiring after thirty years at this position.

Unrealistic or soon to be found in European cash? This is an AI-generated image of a 2-euro commemorative coin on the subject of “defence”. Picture created with Image Generator Pro / ChatGPT

A Military Motif in Circulation – Or: How Political Should 2-Euro Coins Be?

Lithuania is planning to design a 2-euro commemorative coin for defense “against foreign armed forces”. Critics fear a numismatic mobilization – and are eagerly awaiting a possible veto from other euro countries. But have there ever been comparable cases?

Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Carl Theodor in Bavaria: The Old Nobility Takes Up a New Role

In the context of Künker’s phaleristic sale at the end of October, the Osnabrück auction house will present orders from the estate of Carl Theodor Duke in Bavaria. Carl Theodor is one of the most interesting figures of Bavarian history. In contrast to his famous sister Sisi, he managed to live a fulfilled and self-determined life – as an eye specialist.
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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