A fan of Alexander the Great
Many Roman politicians adored the conquerer of the world, Alexander the Great. The emperor Caracalla was no exception…
Great is Artemis of the Ephesians
On his visit to Ephesus, St. Paul was in imminent danger to be lynched. Why was it that the Ephesians felt so threatened by this herald of a new god? Were they more pious than other Greeks? They were, in a way, since they lived on their religion…
Human Faces Part 9: The Battle of Macedonia against Rome
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? This chapter of the series ‘Human Faces’ looks at the battle between Macedonia and Rome.
Postumus – The creator of the Gallic Empire
Alemanni, Juthungi, Franks, and Sassanians attack the Roman world. Postumus seizes the moment and establishes the Gallic Empire. We will tell the story of his coins on the basis of a comprehensive special collection which will be sold at the upcoming Jacquier Auction.
The Treveri – the tribe which Treves was named after
On 8 October 2018, the first part of the Dr W. R. collection “Celtic world and Celtic money” will be liquidated in Künker auction 312. We use the ample material provided by the collection to present the history and the coins of the Celtic Treveri tribe.
The Colts of Corinth
This beautiful early stater of Corinth bears Pegasus on its obverse. The winged horse was the symbol of Corinth and each citizen of this important seaport felt the whole city and himself connected with this winged horse. Why did he do so and how did this connection come into being?
The sacrilege of Tarpeia – or propaganda under Augustus
Augustus’ reign went down in history as a Golden Age even though hardly any other emperor had more lives on his conscience. How did the “Prince of Peace” who continuously fought wars make his citizens believe that they lived in the happiest of all worlds?
Shipping and superstition in antiquity
Sailors faced many dangers. But the superstitious people found a way to deal with that, and many deities and animals assisted the humans on the sea. A coin from Kyzikos tells of all this, a coin minted on the visit of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Another forger in north Hampshire?
On 5 August 2012 a late iron age coin punch was discovered by a metal detectorist near Andover, north Hampshire. Its function is unclear, it may be a trial or apprentice piece – or even an ancient forgery.
Assassins of Caesar
Coins featuring the portrait of Brutus are extremely rare. Coin portraits of Cassius, even more so. Thus far, there is only one known coin type which probably depicts the staunch Republican. In the forthcoming Künker Fall Auction 280, you can come face to face with both assassins of Caesar.
