Archive: People and Markets
A Visit to Alesia
Alesia is part of France’s national heritage; it is where Vercingetorix lost the decisive battle against Caesar. Time and again, French politicians have been inspired by this defeat. It fuelled their will to resist and motivated France to cooperate with victorious powers. This also affected the place itself, which Ursula Kampmann visited.
Martin Hirsch Becomes the New Director of the Bavarian State Coin Collection
Martin Hirsch has worked at the Bavarian State Coin Collection in Munich for years, and now he has been appointed Director. Dr. Hirsch has a lot planned for his new role.
Archive: Coins, Medals and more

100 Yuan Lion Dance 1995: One of the Rarest Chinese Coins of Our Age
From 13 to 15 May 2024, Heidelberger Münzhandlung will hold its 88th auction sale. Among the highlights are some of the rarest contemporary issues from China, including the 100-yuan Lion Dance coin of 1995. 1,000 specimens should have been minted – but in the end, only 138 were produced.

25 Francs in Gold: Swissmint’s New Gold Coin
Since 2022, Swissmint has been issuing 25-franc gold coins. The latest release is a tribute to the history of Swiss gold coinage, combining elements of the first 20-franc piece and the enigmatic 1955 issue, which never entered circulation. And Swissmint also has some interesting plans for the future, as Ursula Kampmann discovered.











Swissmint Commemorates Wind Power
Following the issues on hydropower and solar energy, Swissmint completes its trilogy “Energy of the Future” with the new commemorative coin “Wind power.” As with its two predecessors, the silver coin glows in the dark.
The South African Mint: Africa’s Largest Mint
At the end of my trip to South Africa, I have the unique opportunity to visit the South African Mint. I’m taking you along on my visit, and that’s something very special: normally, taking photos inside the South African Mint isn’t permitted!