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.

Expeditions into the realm of numismatics Part 1: The missing gold gulden or Basel as papal mint

In our series “Expeditions into the realm of numismatics”, we are taking you on an expedition to the treasures of the Basel Coin Cabinet. The first part revolves around a minting die for a papal gold gulden with the title of Felix V.

Harold Harefoot or the Vikings in England

Cnut the Great had formed an enormous kingdom uniting Denmark, Norvegia and England. But after his death his sons Harthacnut and “Harold Harefoot” clashed with each other. And England became their bone of contention.
By examining 12 coins we are going to stroll through Great Britain’s history – this is part 2…

What was salvation’s price?

How much did a believer of the late Middle Ages invest in order to win salvation? We will add up figures coming from a really built chapel in order to figure it out…

How Saint Mark came to Venice

From March 11 to 15, 2013, the collection of Dr Eduardo Curti will be liquidated. It contains numismatic rarities from medieval times, from the Migration Period until the Hundred Years’ War. Some of the most spectacular coins are from Venice, which, at the beginning of the 9th century, had absolutely no interest in becoming part of the Carolingian Empire.

Richard the Lionheart Ruins England

Richard the Lionheart is known as the epitome of a heroic king. Returning from the Holy Land he was captured in Austria and to be released only for an immense ransom. This incident had devastating repercussions for England.
By examining 12 coins we are going to stroll through Great Britain’s history – this is part 3.

Edward III – the Hundred Years War

In 1337 Eduard III, King of England was the only surviving grandson of the French King Philipp IV. Due to this reason Eduard laid claim on the French throne. And he made his claim visible to everybody issuing a new coin, the noble.
By examining 12 coins we are going to stroll through Great Britain’s history – this is part 4.

Charlemagne and the Popes – On the way to the Imperial crown

At Künker’s spring auction on March 12 and 13, 2012 a spectacular portrait Denarius of Charlemagne will be put to auction. The sole coin makes you dream. But the story behind it is fascinating as well: you can read it here.

A Struggle for Rome

During the auction week from October 8th-12th, Künker will be putting a rare solidus of Theodoric the Great up for auction. The piece, minted in Rome in the name of Emperor Anastasius I, presents a good opportunity to retell the history behind the coin.

Between England and France – the Outbreak of the Hundred Years’ War

He was one of France’s most powerful kings, this Philip the Fair who humiliated the pope, crushed the Templars and humbled the Plantagenets. But 14 years after his death the house of the Capetians had ended. Now the question was: Who was to reign over mighty France?