Estimate: 2.000.000 CHFTHE FIRST 100 ESCUDOS EVER STRUCK.
Spain.
Philip III,
100 Escudos 1609,
Segovia.
Unique.314
Estimate: 100.000 CHFTHE FINEST PORTRAIT OF CLEOPATRA.
Roman Republic.
Cleopatra VII and Mark Antony,
Tetradrachm 36 BC,
Antioch on the Orontes.152
Estimate: 300.000 CHFRoman Empire.
Augustus,
Aureus circa 27 BC-15 CE,
Pergamon (?).153
Estimate: 500.000 CHFMexico.
Philip V,
8 Escudos 1729/7,
Mexico.
NGC MS65 (Top pop).300
Estimate: 500.000 CHFTHE FIRST GOLD SOVEREIGN IN HISTORY.
Great Britain.
Henry VII,
Gold Sovereign,
type I, Cross Fitchee, n. d. (1492),
Tower mint.231
Estimate: 100.000 CHFIslamic World.
Temp. 'Abd al-Malik b. Marwan,
Solidus
AH 72-74.184
Estimate: 70.000 CHFItaly, Ferrara.
Alfonso I d'Este,
2 Ducats n. d.,
Ferrara.289
Estimate: 200.000 CHFTauric Chersonese.
Pantikapaion,
Gold Stater
circa 380-370 BC.72
Estimate: 3.000 CHFSarawak.
Charles Anthony Johnson Brooke,
50 Cents 1906,
Birmingham (Heaton).
NGC SP66 (Highest grade).1166
Estimate: 1.000 CHFUSA.
50 Cents 1795,
Philadelphia.1420

Archive: People and Markets

At the centre of the indictment against Richard Beale is the provenance of the second-most expensive ancient coin in the world, an EID MAR aureus. From Roma Numismatics XX (2020), Lot 463. Hammer price: 3,240,000 pounds.

Coin Dealer Richard Beale Pleads Guilty

Richard Beale has pleaded guilty to a number of charges. At a court hearing in New York in August 2023, the British coin dealer admitted, among other things, to falsifying the provenance of an EID MAR aureus.

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Access to Cash Becoming More Difficult: Bundesbank Sees Growing Challenges

Despite declining numbers of ATMs and bank branches, the Bundesbank currently still considers access to cash in Germany to be secure. However, in its March 2025 monthly report, it warns of clear downward trends.

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The exhibit Freedom Will Be Ours: Medals and Money in Black America, presented at the Washington University’s Olin Library. Photo: Leonard Augsburger.

Washington University Presents Seven Numismatic Exhibits

Washington University’s Olin Library announces seven numismatic exhibits that are now open to the public and will run through July 7, 2024. The library features such exhibits on a rotating basis, with recent installations covering the history of play money, World War II internment camp issues, and other subjects. In addition to exhibits, the library’s numismatic mission includes the administration of the Newman Numismatic Portal.

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Lars O. Lagerqvist in May 2015. Image: Sven Rosborn via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0.

Lars O. Lagerqvist (1929-2023)

Lars O. Lagerqvist, former director of the Royal Coin Cabinet in Stockholm and FIDEM Honorary President, passed away. He was one of the most important Swedish numismatists and a renowned expert for medals. Marie-Astrid Voisin Pelsdonk remembers her mentor and friend.

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Archive: Coins, Medals and more

Die Qual der Wahl: Welche Goldmünzen sind zu gut für die Schmelze? Foto: Wieschowski / „Iron melting furnace“ von „fotosuper“ von Getty Images via Canva Pro.

Gold at Record Highs: Melt Down or Preserve Historic Gold Coins?

Gold is now more expensive than ever. This trend has put many collectors and dealers in a moral dilemma: Which gold coins can be sold or melted down without hesitation, and where do the real treasures lie?
Railway tunnel under Surami pass near the village Tsipa, Chkherimela valley, Georgia 2014. Image: Karel61 via Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0. In front: Silver medal commemorating the opening of the Suram Tunnel in 1890 by L. Steinman. Künker auction 408, No. 234.

For Railroad Fans: The Suram Tunnel

Railroad history is linked to numismatics in many ways. Fascinating large-scale projects were often celebrated with medals and commemorative coins. Our example takes us to Georgia: A medal that will be offered for auction by Künker commemorates the opening of the Suram Tunnel.
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