What Do Gaming Counters Have to Do with Numismatics?

On 5 July 2025, Künker will offer a complete set of trictrac pieces at its auction 425. The ensemble is of great cultural and historical value. This prompts us to ask why gaming counters are part of the numismatic field – and what insights they can offer into the numismatic daily life of the early modern period.

Between Triumph and Tragedy – Maximilian II Emanuel, “The Prince of Bankrupts”

Maximilian II Emanuel of Bavaria, known as gifted general, an avid builder, and a passionate collector of art, led a turbulent life. Medals offered in Auction 18 of Leu Numismatik AG reflect both the heights and humiliations of Maximilian’s military campaigns in southern Germany.

Queen Anne: Great Britain on Its Way to Becoming a Global Power

On 26 May 2025, SINCONA will auction off part 6 of the British Collection presenting the medals of this ensemble. In this article, we will show you some of the treasures among the lots and explore the story of Queen Anne. Under her rule, Great Britain became the most important trading power in Europe.

Pattern of the First-Class Warrior Medal – A Previously Unknown Relic of German Colonial History

Leu’s first World Coins Floor Sale features a previously unknown pattern of a warrior merit medal for indigenous soldiers in German East Africa. This exceptional item provides rare insight into the early development of this obscure decoration.

What People Used to Pay With in South Africa

Coins are only the most recent of the many means of payment used in South Africa. And yet, there is much to be told about the country’s numismatic past. We tell the story of South African means of payment from glass beads to the rand.

Berlin and South Africa – A Time-Honoured Connection

Did you know that the first coins of the Boer Republic came from Berlin? It was quite a challenge to create the dies because the Berlin engraver Otto Schulz had no idea of Boer identity, which is why things almost went wrong…

The Birth of the Krugerrand

The South African Krugerrand is the world’s oldest bullion coin. When it was first minted in 1967, the concept of producing a coin that matched the weight of an investment unit – one ounce – was both new and innovative. Learn more about the economic background and the meaning of its design here.

Coin-Embedded Tableware as Part of European Dining Culture

In European castles and treasure chambers, we often come across magnificent coin-embedded vessels. These items represent wealth and knowledge. Although their roots can be traced back to the Renaissance, it was not until the bourgeoisie of the 19th century that they came into their own.

Women on Commemorative Coins: A Long Road to True Equality

Every year, International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8 March—and this week, numismatists also have a reason to celebrate. On 6 March, a German 20-euro coin was issued to mark the 50th anniversary of the International Women’s Year. This coin marks the beginning of a new German commemorative coin series under the theme “Influential Women”. But does this mean that women have finally secured their place in the world of numismatics?

VOC: The Other Side of the Dutch Golden Age

VOC coins tell the story of the Netherlands’ colonial past. The States General granted the VOC all the rights of an independent state: it could declare war, make treaties and issue its own currency. Join us on a trip to Indonesia, the place where the spices grew that financed the Dutch Golden Age.