Entries by Ursula Kampmann

Human Faces Part 1: The Father of the Gods, Zeus, in Olympia

Why is it that for centuries – or rather thousands of years – the head has served as the motif for the side of a coin? And why has this changed in the last 200 years? Ursula Kampmann poses these questions in her book ‘MenschenGesichter,’” from which the texts for our new series are taken.

The People of Zurich and their Money 12: the walled city

Our series takes you along for the ride as we explore the Zurich of times past. In April 1833, a young man explained to his spouse why the Zurich fortifications, on which they took a stroll, had to be battered down under all circumstances.

The People of Zurich and their Money 10: The Troublemaker

Our series takes you along for the ride as we explore the Zurich of times past. Today, you will get to know Minister Waser, a know-it-all and troublemaker who made himself a lot of enemies with all his fierce accusations. Much like a good DVD, this conversation comes with a sort of “making of” – a little numismatic-historical backdrop to underscore and illustrate this conversation.

The People of Zurich and their Money 6: Can You Put a Price on Salvation?

Our series takes you along for the ride as we explore the Zurich of times past. Around the year 1520, a woman from Zurich attempts to prevent her husband, a master craftsman, from buying an indulgence. Much like a good DVD, this conversation comes with a sort of ‘making of’ – a little numismatic-historical backdrop to help underscore and illustrate this conversation.

The People of Zurich and their Money 4: Robber Barons in Zurich?

Our series takes you along for the ride as we explore the Zurich of times past. The year 1371 saw the pinnacle of a crisis for the aristocracy, which was desperately fighting for its economic and political survival. Much like a good DVD, this conversation comes with a sort of ‘making of’ – a little numismatic-historical backdrop to help underscore and illustrate this conversation.

The King and Anna and the monetary reform of Thailand

Few people have shaped our image of Thailand like the well-shaven Yul Brunner who gets himself taught how to waltz by a lovely young governess. That, however, is a myth. The real story behind King Mongkut is even more thrilling!