Archive: People and Markets
Where Did Silver Come from in Early Medieval Europe?
In the mid-7th century, a veritable silver coin boom set off in the North Sea Region. So far, the question of where the silver for the coins came from was up for speculation. A new study provides concrete results.
Two Robberies in Two Days – French Museums Targeted by Criminals
Last week, two museums in France were robbed. The museums were helpless in the face of the criminals’ ruthless brutality. Is it even possible to protect our cultural heritage in this day and age?
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

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.

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.















Two Powerful Women – a Premiere in Gold and Silver
The British Royal Mint and the United States Mint collaborated to create a joint issue combining the well-known coin motifs of Lady Liberty and Britannia. They went all the way and had the chief engravers of both mints group up for a one-of-a-kind partnership.
Ruthenium on Euro Commemorative Coins: Mints Turn to Innovative Finishes – with the Blessing of Central Banks
Coins with exotic precious metal coatings have long been viewed with skepticism, but Malta has now set a new trend with a galvanised commemorative coin. Other eurozone countries are also embracing innovative finishing techniques to capture contemporary tastes.