The history of Chinese coinage 1 – from barter to monetary economy

Quite rightly, China prides itself of its long history, impressively evidenced by the Chinese monetary tradition that took a different route than our western one. Learn more about the development from barter trade to monetary economy here.

The People of Zurich and their Money 9: Burning a woman – 7 pfund 10 shilling

Our series takes you along for the ride as we explore the Zurich of times past. Today, you will learn from Master Hans which price he charged the Säckelmeister (treasurer) in 1701 – for torturing, beheading and burning a woman! Much like a good DVD, this conversation comes with a sort of ‘making of’ – a little numismatic-historical backdrop to underscore and illustrate this conversation.

The People of Zurich and their Money 3: At the Market in Zurich

Our series takes you along for the ride as we explore the Zurich of times past. In this instalment, you’ll get to read a dialogue between a buyer from out of town who’s trying to pay for his purchases in the year 1335. 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.

The People of Zurich and their Money 5: The Soldier’s Wages of Pavia

Our series takes you along for the ride as we explore the Zurich of times past. This time it’s the year 1512 and we’re standing in the chamber of the Abbess of the Fraumünster Abbey. She is hiding a mercenary leader who’s on the run. Much like a good DVD, this conversation comes with a sort of ‘making of’ – a little numismatic-historical backdrop to help underscore and illustrate its context.

In the Empire of The Merry Widow

From October 8 to 12, 2012 at Künker’s in Osnabrück a rare 100-perpera piece is going to be auctioned. It was struck in honor of Nikola I of Montenegro, ruler of a realm, which is reflected as Pontevedra in the famous musical comedy ‘The Merry Widow’.

Freedom for Algeria – The Fate of Abd el-Kader

Standing in the middle of the Château d’Amboise garden on the Loire is a Muslim cemetery from the 19th century. Here, the followers of Algerian freedom fighter Abd el-Kader were buried with honour. What brought them to this place is a story that begs telling.

The People of Zurich and their Money 16: Free money for free citizens

Our series takes you along for the ride as we explore the Zurich of times past. In this episode you will listen to a conversation conducted in 1934. Werner Zimmermann reasons with a potential investor in WIR bank – a bank that favors a new kind of money.

The People of Zurich and their Money 13: And lead us not into temptation!

Our series takes you along for the ride as we explore the Zurich of times past. On October 1, 1869, bank director Karl Stadler, attended by procurator Heinrich von Wyss, opened the safe of the Union Bank of Switzerland in the Zurich branch. It was empty …

The People of Zurich and their Money 11: Ziegler – the soldier millionaire, who would not know him?

Our series takes you along for the ride as we explore the Zurich of times past. Leonhard Ziegler, after going bankrupt, fled to India in 1802 to become one of the country’s richest men – he advised his fellow countrymen to follow his example, to learn English and go abroad.

The People of Zurich and their Money 10: The Troublemaker

Our series takes you along for the ride as we explore the Zurich of times past. Today, you will get to know Minister Waser, a know-it-all and troublemaker who made himself a lot of enemies with all his fierce accusations. Much like a good DVD, this conversation comes with a sort of “making of” – a little numismatic-historical backdrop to underscore and illustrate this conversation.