Tag Archive for: History

War is father of all

Clearly, it is evident to everyone that there are taxes to be paid. It has always been that way, one is inclined to think. But, there have been times when the rulers were obliged to ask the ruled if they were willing to pay a new tax. Why that has changed you can read here…

War is the father of all things. A short history of the art of besiegement: Part 1

A lot of stories can be told based on numismatic objects. The history of besiegement is one of them and thus, in memory of collector Georg Baums, we will concern ourselves with it and observe how fortresses on medals change over time.

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.

Striking Coins in Florence

Since September 17, 2011 visitors can see a marvelous exhibition at Palazzo Strozzi in Florence. It is named Money and Beauty and is dedicated to the link between early modern banking and art. On exhibit is not only art, but documents, numismatists dream of like a book in which those responsible of striking coins have noted their decisions on the design…

A Numismatic Relic from the Piedmont Civil War

On November 28, 2012, a very special coin goes on the market at Numismatica Genevensis. The coin in question, estimated at 150,000 francs, is a gold coin in the value of 10 écus whose front depicts the young Prince Charles-Emanuel II of Savoy as well as the stern face of his mother. The following will provide you with a bit more detail as to the background of this rare specimen.

Alexander Farnese – The man who almost kept the Netherlands in Spanish governance

When talking about the Eighty Years’ War, one usually encounters names such as Egmont, the Duke of Alba and the Prince of Orange. Alexander Farnese, however, who almost preserved Spanish rule over the Netherlands, is less known. We are telling his story by means of coins of the Geneart collection which will be auctioned off at Künker on June 18, 2018.

A Numismatic Journey Through the History of Poland

In 2011 World Money Fair welcomes the mint of Poland as guest of honor. On this occasion we will present some modern Polish coins dedicated to the interesting history of this nation. There are only few countries in the world, where history is still such an important issue in everyday life!

Bullion coins part 6: The Vreneli

The relationship between the Swiss people and their Vreneli could be described as nostalgic, even loving almost. This traditional Swiss bullion coins is still a typical gift for births, First Communions or confirmations.

German cutting edge technology in the Chinese Empire

On February 6th, 2016, 42 Chinese coin dies and 36 punches from the holdings of Otto Beh’s company will be handed over to the state coin cabinet of Saxony-Anhalt. They attest to an exciting chapter of German history of technology.

Introduction ‘The People of Zurich and their Money’ Part 1

Our series ‘The People of Zurich and their Money’ will present one exciting chapter of Swiss numismatics and economic history at a time. The introduction provides an initial overview in two parts. Follow along in this first section as we trace the evolution of Swiss numismatics from the beginning all the way through to the 16th century.