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

Münster, Osnabrück, Passau and the Counts of Lamberg

Münster, Osnabrück and Passau: How are these places related to the Counts of Lamberg? We use coins from Künker’s auction 424 to illustrate how noble families in the Holy Roman Empire climbed the social ladder in early modern times, and explain the reasons for and the consequences of such ascents.

In Search of the Big Five

The Big Five – they are the stars on South Africa’s commemorative coins. We visit the elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo, and leopard in their most famous reserve, the Kruger National Park. Let’s see how many of the iconic five we can capture (with the camera).

Farewell to the Penny: (No) Impact on Numismatics?

The United States Mint is ending production of the one-cent coin – triggering a rush on 2025 penny rolls. But one expert urges collectors to stay calm.

Maximilian: The Last Knight and / or a Bankrupt

On 3 July 2025, Künker will auction the Hermann Wohnlich Collection presenting coins and medals from Tyrol. The offer includes an impressive ensemble of representative coins of Maximilian I, which are an excellent testament to his ability to cultivate his image. The effects of this can still be felt today.

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.