3 Minutes of Numismatics: King Kroisus and his significance for the monetary system
King Kroisus’ coins are a milestone on the path to our Western monetary system. We show you the first gold coins ever minted.
read more at our partner SIXBID
3 Minutes of Numismatics: Saudi Arabia’s First Islamic Coin
An Umayyad dirham from the year 105 AH could fetch more than $6 million. It originated from the mine of the Commander of the Faithful in the Hejaz. It was the first Islamic coin minted in Saudi Arabia.
read more at our partner SIXBID
Lalique and numismatics
Lalique is one of the world’s most famous Art Nouveau artists. Did you know that he also created a medal in honour of his patron, the actress Sarah Bernhardt? She was a great admirer of Lalique.
read more at our partner SIXBID
3 Minutes of Numismatics: Antimony, Borneo and the White Rajahs of Sarawak
Anyone who wants to understand the 19th century must study its economic history. It was profit that tempted adventurers from across the Western world to build a life for themselves in exotic countries, as the white rajahs of Sarawak did.
read more at our partner SIXBID
3 minutes of numismatics: The first coin minted in Cologne!?
The new RIC has completely disrupted the coinage of Postumus. This gives a new meaning to an Antoninianus from 268 AD, which was certainly minted in Cologne: it is now one of the first coins ever minted in Cologne.
read more at our partner SIXBID
Etruscan Vetulonia and its coins
Vetulonia no longer shows signs of its former importance. Yet the blacksmiths of the Mediterranean world valued the iron from Vetulonia. Even though the city’s wealth has not produced finds as impressive as those in Cerveteri or Tarquinia, it is still worth a visit.
read more at our partner SIXBID
The bridge over the Menai Strait on the Telford Prize medal
Since 1826, the first suspension bridge in history has spanned the Menai Strait, connecting the island of Anglesey with the Welsh mainland. This pioneering feat of engineering is commemorated by the Telford Medal, which is still awarded today by the Institution of Civil Engineers for outstanding achievements.
read more at our partner SIXBID
A medal commemorates the Krakow Constitution of 1833
Prussia, Austria, and Russia divided Poland among themselves. But Poland did not disappear. Polish nationalists rose up in repeated uprisings to reclaim their land. This had dire consequences for the population, as evidenced by a medal awarded to the victors.
read more at our partner SIXBID
The First World War, Australia and its kookaburra penny
During the Battle of Gallipoli, 8,709 Australians were killed and 17,924 were wounded. This was an enormous loss of life – at least in relative terms! Around one in every 50 Australians of military age was affected. After the war, Australia therefore demanded a new role in the Commonwealth. A coin that will be auctioned at Künker on 8 October 2025 commemorates this event.
read more at our partner SIXBID
A double Louis d’or from 1640/1
In 1640, a new coin minting technique became popular in France. Jean Varin introduced the balancier. However, the coin smiths at the old Paris mint resisted this change, as this coin shows.
read more at our partner SIXBID
