Archive: People and Markets

Happy Birthday! The IADAA Turns 30

The International Association of Dealers in Ancient Art (IADAA) celebrates its 30th anniversary. James Ede, one of the founding fathers, remembers his personal experiences in the association and the antiquities trade.

Largest Hoard of Ancient Gold Coins Discovered in Luxembourg

At the end of 2019, two amateur archaeologists in Luxembourg made an impressive discovery that has now been made public: 141 exceptionally well-preserved solidi from the last third of the 4th century. It is the largest hoard of ancient gold coins ever discovered in the Grand Duchy.

John Highfill († 15 June 2025)

Tulsa, Oklahoma rare coin dealer John Highfill, founder of the National Silver Dollar Roundtable and author of a landmark 1,200-page reference book, The Comprehensive U.S. Silver Dollar Encyclopedia, passed away on June 15, 2025. He was 82.

Bulgaria Will Adopt the Euro in 2026

The euro area is expanding: On June 4, 2025, the European Central Bank confirmed that Bulgaria meets the requirements for joining the eurozone. This clears the way for the introduction of the euro on January 1, 2026 – provided that preparations can be completed in time.

Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Franz Joseph und Sisi, gemalt von Franz Xaver Winterhalter. Davor Rückseite der Hochzeitsmedaille aus dem offiziellen Erinnerungs-Set, aus Auktion Künker 415 (28. Oktober 2024), Nr. 361.

Sisi and Franz: Commemorating the Dream Wedding that Was Actually a Nightmare

As part of the phaleristic auction 415 on 28 October 2024, Künker will be auctioning the set of gold medals that Emperor Franz Joseph presented to his father-in-law, Duke Maximilian Joseph in Bavaria. It is the numismatic souvenir of a wedding that turned out to be a nightmare for his daughter – young Elisabeth, who is better known as Sissi or Sisi today.
For the obverse of the 2022 20-Francs commemorative coin “Mani Matter”, various patterns were created, most of which are unique. They will be offered this fall at SINCONA.

SINCONA Offers Spectacular Swissmint Patterns

In its Auction 87, SINCONA AG showcases Swissmint patterns. They are truly remarkable as they are true patterns that were not produced for collectors but are natural by-products of the coin creation process.
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