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Articles by Ursula Kampmann
Boston is Getting a Museum of American Finance
The Museum of American Finance, part of the Smithsonian Institution, opened its new museum on July 3, 2026. It focuses on finance and showcases some of the rarest historical banknotes. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect to see at this museum. Numismatics has a tremendous advantage: it is an integral part of a subject that dominates our society—the financial sector.
Der Kosmos Humboldts auf einer Medaille
Am 23. Juni 2026 versteigert Künker in ihrer Auktion 442 die Imperial Collection – Numismatische Kostbarkeiten aus dem Besitz der preußischen Könige und deutschen Kaiser des Hauses Hohenzollern. Diese bedeutende Sammlung enthält zahlreiche Raritäten in Gold und Silber. Die einzigartige Kombination aus besonderer Provenienz, herausragender Erhaltung und großer Seltenheit macht diese Kollektion zu etwas Besonderem.
BdDM unterstützt eBay als Watchdog
Der Berufsverband des Deutschen Münzenfachhandels unterstützt seit 2023 die Online-Plattform eBay dabei, unseriöse Angebote im Bereich Numismatik zu bekämpfen. In den vergangenen zwei Jahren wurden dabei über 50.000 Objekte entfernt. Wo Sammler von Sammlern kaufen, ist eine hundertprozentige Sicherheit auch bei größter Sorgfalt und Wachsamkeit nicht möglich.
Die Gründung der SINCONA: Interview mit Jürg Richter
Am 30. Oktober 2025 führte die SINCONA AG ihre 100. Auktion durch. Zeit für ein Interview mit Gründer Jürg Richter, der schon seit seiner Kindheit von der Numismatik begeistert war. Jürg Richter bei seiner 100. Auktion am 30. Oktober 2025. Foto: UK Frage: Jürg, die SINCONA führte heute ihre 100. Auktion durch, nun fällt dieser Name für ein Auktionshaus eigentlich aus der Reihe. Viele Münzhandlungen nennen sich nach ihrem Besitzer, andere nach dem Ort, wo sie agieren, wie bist Du auf den Namen gekommen?
Die Geburt des Sovereigns
Am 28. Oktober 1489 erging der königliche Befehl, eine neue Goldmünze im Gewicht von 20 Shilling zu prägen. Sie sollte Sovereign heißen und die Vorstellung der Engländer von ihrem König nachhaltig verändern. Numismatica Genevensis SA (NGSA) versteigert am 24.11.2025 ein Exemplar dieser ikonischen Münze, die historisch und geldgeschichtlich von höchster Bedeutung ist. Heinrich VII. Gold Sovereign, Münzzeichen Cross Fitchee, ohne Jahr (1492), Tower Mint. NGC AU50 (Top Pop). Bestes bekanntes Exemplar.
Ein Zeichen königlicher Macht: Der spanische Centén von 1609 aus Segovia
Er gilt als eine der bedeutendsten Münzen der Welt, jener prachtvolle Centén zu 100 Escudos, der 1609 erstmals in Segovia geprägt wurde. Das Schweizer Auktionshaus NGSA erwartet, dass diese Ikone der spanischen Numismatik weit mehr bringt als ihren Startpreis von zwei Mio. CHF. Die Münze wird am 24. November 2025 versteigert. Wir erzählen ihre Geschichte. Spanien. Philipp III., 1598-1621. 100 Escudos (= Centén) 1609, Segovia.
Caesar am Wendepunkt und die Einführung der römischen Goldwährung
Am 27. Oktober 2025 versteigert SINCONA eine umfangreiche Sammlung von antiken Münzen mit zahlreichen seltenen Aurei. Aber seit wann ist der Aureus ein existentieller Bestandteil der römischen Währung? Diese Frage führt uns ins Jahr 46 v. Chr., als Caesar auf dem Höhepunkt seiner Macht stand. SINCONA versteigert in seiner Auktion 101 am 27. Oktober 2025 eine umfangreiche und interessante Sammlung von 284 Losen mit antiken Münzen.
Emden, Preußen und ein bisschen Ungarn
Am 7. Oktober 2025 versteigert Künker einen Dukaten der Stadt Emden. Er trägt auf der Rückseite eine bezeichnende Inschrift, nämlich dass diese Münze dem Wert eines ungarischen Dukaten entspricht. Nun ist Emden rund 1.000 Kilometer Luftlinie von Ungarn entfernt. Warum bezieht es sich ausgerechnet auf den ungarischen Dukaten? Emden / Stadt. Dukat 1694. Äußerst selten. Vorzüglich bis Stempelglanz. Taxe: 20.000 Euro. Aus Auktion Künker 427 (7.
Slavoljub Penkala: Die Idee des Kugelschreibers
Die dritte Ausgabe der Serie „Croatian Innovators“ ist Slavoljub Penkala gewidmet. Der Mann, der mehr als 80 Patente hielt, erfand unter anderem den Druckbleistift und den Vorläufer des Kugelschreibers. Die Kroatische Nationalbank erinnert in Zusammenarbeit mit der Kroatischen Münzstätte an diesen ideenreichen Ingenieur.
Maximilian: Letzter Ritter und / oder Bankrotteur
Am 3. Juli 2025 versteigert Künker die Sammlung Hermann Wohnlich von Münzen und Medaillen aus Tirol. Darunter befindet sich ein eindrucksvolles Ensemble von Schaumünzen Maximilians I. Sie sind ein hervorragendes Zeugnis dafür, wie gut der Kaiser sich darauf verstand, sein Image zu pflegen. Die Nachwirkungen spüren wir noch heute. Was wissen Sie eigentlich über Kaiser Maximilian I.? Fällt Ihnen außer „der letzte Ritter“ und dem Goldenen Dachl noch etwas ein?
Queen Anne: Großbritannien auf dem Weg zur Weltmacht
Am 26. Mai 2025 versteigert SINCONA als Teil 6 der British Collection die Medaillen. Was für Schätze sich darunter finden, zeigen wir Ihnen in diesem Artikel. Er beschäftigt sich mit Queen Anne, unter der sich Großbritannien zur bedeutendsten Handelsmacht Europas entwickelte. Krönungsporträt von Queen Anne, um 1702 von John Costerman. National Portrait Gallery / London. Was wissen Sie eigentlich über Queen Anne?
Der Münzschatz von Merishausen
Das Museum zu Allerheiligen zeigt vom 15. März bis zum 19. Oktober 2025 eine Kabinett-Ausstellung zum Münzschatz von Merishausen. Damit wird publikumswirksam die Forschung rund um dieses interessante Ensemble präsentiert. Der Münzfund von Merishausen mit dem Gefäß, in dem er fast ein halbes Jahrtausend aufbewahrt wurde. Museum zu Allerheiligen Schaffhausen, Depositum des Kantons Schaffhausen. Foto: Jeannette Vogel. Begonnen hat eigentlich alles bereits im September des Jahres 1922.
VOC: Die andere Seite des Goldenen Zeitalters der Niederlande
Münzen der VOC erzählen von der Kolonialgeschichte der Niederländer: Die Generalstaaten verliehen ihr alle Rechte eines unabhängigen Staates: Sie durfte Kriege erklären, Verträge schließen und eine eigene Währung herausgeben. Begleiten Sie uns nach Indonesien, wo die Gewürze wuchsen, die das Goldene Zeitalter der Niederlande finanzierten.
Marcus Antonius: The Loser Who Did Not Write History
by Ursula Kampmann on behalf of Künker It is an old story that we are all familiar with. And yet new versions of it can be told again and again. After all, it is a problem that every politician has to deal with: How do you get the people on your side? Do they value freedom more than security and their daily bread? To whom will history assign the role of “good”, who will be seen as evil – and why? Every historian will have their own answers.
INORCOAT: How to Make Minting More Sustainable
by Ursula Kampmann Are you annoyed by all the laws that make our lives more difficult but have no positive effect? Here’s an example of a law that actually makes sense: the planned ban on chromium (VI) electroplating is helping an innovative technology to make a breakthrough – and this development brings decisive advantages for the minting industry. Romain Waidelich of INORCOAT takes us behind the scenes. Chromium (VI) has been deemed an environmental pollutant by the EU since 2017.
Gnadenpfennige
Gnadenpfennige sind eine extrem seltene Gattung numismatischer Objekte. Künker ist stolz darauf, in seiner Auktion 418 am 29. Januar 2025 neun Lose anbieten zu können, bei denen es sich um Gnadenpfennige handelt bzw. handeln dürfte. Wir erzählen, welchem Zweck Gnadenpfennige dienten und wann sie entstanden sind. Goldene Ketten binden härter als Eisen. (Deutsches Sprichwort) Ein Gnadenpfennig ist natürlich kein Pfennig.
Der biegsame Weidenbaum
Am 29. Januar 2025 wird von Künker eine einzigartige Weidenbaumprägung versteigert. Das 10 Dukaten-Stück zeigt auf der Rückseite einen Weidenbaum im Sturm. Aber was wollte der Prägeherr Wilhelm V. damit zum Ausdruck bringen? Im Jahr 1627 übernahm Wilhelm V. von Hessen-Kassel die Herrschaft. Sein Vater Moritz hatte sich mehr für Bücher als für die Wirtschaft interessiert und so das Land ruiniert.
The Eve of the Battle of Philippi: An Aureus Featuring the Portrait of Brutus
by Ursula Kampmann on behalf of NGSA, translated by Rachel Agard On 9 December 2024, Numismatica Genevensis will be auctioning an extremely rare aureus featuring a portrait of Brutus. The coin, estimated at CHF 750,000, was minted to pay the soldiers who fought for Brutus in the final battle at Philippi. As Trivulzio once reportedly told the French king, there are three things one needs for warfare: money, money, and yet more money.
Why Neuchâtel Is Not Part of France Today
by Ursula Kampmann on behalf of SINCONA It was a close call – Louis XIV would certainly have swallowed up Neuchâtel in today’s Switzerland if it had not been for Marie de Nemours’ fierce insistence on her rights. We explain the political situation and introduce you to the princess and her coinage. All the pieces shown come from the Bürki Collection and will be on offer in SINCONA’s Auction 95 on 24 October 2024. Why is the world structured the way it is?
Gold from Rhodes for the Battle for Rome
by Ursula Kampmann on behalf of Künker It always seems so simple: a knife, a bullet, a bit of poison and the tyrant is gone and freedom restored. But the men who successfully assassinated Caesar on the Ides of March in 44 BC found out that, unfortunately, the world does not work this way. Although Caesar fell to their daggers, nothing that happened afterwards went as planned: no one was interested in Brutus’ eloquent appeal to restore the Republic as his audience had fled to safety.
Friedrich III. von Dänemark und Eben Ezer
Vom 21. bis zum 25. Oktober 2024 finden die SINCONA-Auktionen 92 bis 95 statt. Wir stellen in diesem Artikel eine von vielen Raritäten daraus vor. Es handelt sich um eine so genannte „Ebenezer-Prägung“ aus Dänemark. Der vierfache Dukat ist nicht nur äußerst selten, sondern auch historisch von höchstem Interesse. Die so genannten Ebenezer-Prägungen gehören zu den großen Seltenheiten der dänischen Numismatik. Schon in Silber sind Ebenezer-Kronen extrem rar.
The End of Mint of Finland
by Ursula Kampmann On 28 August 2024, Mint of Finland announced that it would cease operations in mid-2025. This comes as no surprise. Many insiders knew that the Finnish state had been looking for a buyer for the Mint of Finland Group for some time. After all, its losses amounted to 9.9 million euros in 2022, 5.1 million euros in 2020 and 1.4 million euros in 2019, which even the successful year 2021 with a profit of 4.8 million euros could not compensate for.
ROMA Numismatics to Close on 24 May 2024
Estimated price: 20,000 CHFPoseidonia. Circa 530-500 BC. AR Stater.LEU Numismatic Auction 1510 Estimated price: 25,000 CHFDerrones. Circa 480-465 BC. AR Tetrastater or Dodekadrachm.LEU Numismatic Auction 1540 Estimated price: 25,000 CHFUncertain Ionia. Circa 650-600 BC. EL Stater.LEU Numismatic Auction 1593 Estimated price: 10,000 CHFTigranes the Younger. 77-66 BC. AR Tetradrachm.LEU Numismatic Auction 15128 Estimated price: 50,000 CHFBar Kokhba Revolt. 132-135 CE.
NYINC: The Favourite of All Those Who Love Ancient Coins
Starting price: 400 CHFCORINTHIA. Corinth. Circa 350-300 BC. AR Stater.Astarte web auction 261 Starting price: 350 CHFIONIA. Phokaia. Circa 478-387 BC. EL Hekte.Astarte web auction 275 Starting price: 1000 CHFLycia. Patara. C. 400 BC. AR Hemidrachm. the second known example.Astarte web auction 2108 Starting price: 300 CHFCILICIA. Nagidos. Circa 420-385 BC. AR Stater.Astarte web auction 2121 Starting price: 350 CHFEGYPT. Alexandria. Trajan, 98-117. AE Drachm.
The Zurich International Coin Fair 2023
By Ursula Kampmann, translated by Anna Velten Rarely had there been such large crowds before: when the 51st coin fair opened its doors, visitors were queuing to get inside. The 20-Franc “Swiss Shooting Sport Federation” in High Relief The reason for this was the announcement of a major special sale by Swissmint.
2023 World’s Fair of Money in Pittsburgh
Less than 5 minutes away, mints and wholesalers meet in the lobby of the Westin Hotel. Around the venue there are many modern hotels offering all the comforts you could need.
International Conference on Islamic Numismatics
Starting price: € 5.000,-Augustus. Denar, Spain Rv: Zephyrus above Capricorno116th Auction 15-17 June 2023115 Starting price: € 3.000,-Nero, Roma 65 n.Chr. Rv: ROMA con Victoriola116th Auction 15-17 June 2023128 Starting price: € 15.000,-Byzanz. Alexandros Solidus Constantinopel 912/13 RR116th Auction 15-17 June 2023236 Starting price: € 14.000,-Saxonia. Friedrich August I.
Heinz Tursky (1941-2023)
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=4] He was the great constant whenever I attended one of the many numismatic events held in Hall in Tirol. Heinz Tursky was always there: friendly, unassuming, with an unmistakable laugh and a profound understanding of Tyrolean numismatics that commanded my respect time and again. The next time I go to the “Haller Münzbörse” coin fair, I won’t find him there. On 16 April 2023, Heinz Tursky passed away at the age of 82.
In Memoriam Roman Probst
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=4] Anyone interested in coins from the Principality of Luxembourg knew Roman Probst, editor of the Prixfix catalogue with prices. In general, there was no getting around this amiable colleague whenever it came to numismatics in Luxembourg. But who would have wanted to get around him, anyway? Roman Probst had only friends, and a meeting with him was always a real pleasure. Now, after a long suffering, Roman Probst passed away at the beginning of April 2023.
Numismata 2023: A Paean to Coin Fairs
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=4] I like the Numismata. I have liked this coin fair ever since I first distributed auction catalogues to visitors as a complete newbie for my then boss. I like the Numismata because there is no other fair where you can meet such a unique mix of top-class collectors, ambitious auction houses and old acquaintances from student days. I am originally from Munich, so I am definitely biased regarding my sympathy for the Numismata.
The Coinage of Sweden: The New Catalogue
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=4] In recent years, the amount of publications on Swedish coins and medals that are also geared to collectors has virtually exploded. Catalogues for a variety of fields have been and are being published at such a high pace that we at CoinsWeekly can hardly keep up with presenting them to you. An important milestone is the new edition of the comprehensive catalogue of Swedish coinage from 1521 to today, which was published in the fall of 2022.
Wilhelm Müseler (1952-2023)
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=4] Wilhelm Müseler was one of the most obstinate people I have ever met. He was straight-forward and uncompromising. His way of expressing whatever he thought without considering whether this might offend someone did not only make him friends. But those who actually took the time to get to know him better learned that he was a loyal and helpful friend with whom you could discuss the intricacies of numismatics as well as talk about everything under the sun.
A Quantum Leap in the Cataloguing of Swiss Gold Coins
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=4] Why Is US Coinage so Expensive? Issues from the United States of America are the most expensive coins in the world – at least regarding pieces with outstanding grades. There is a good reason for this phenomenon. The US market is an investors’ market. This also means that dealers cannot afford to refrain from having a high-quality coin graded by one of the well-known coin grading services. If the specimen is not graded, it will realise a significantly lower result.
Stack’s Bowers Galleries: Visiting the Numismatic Club House
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=4] There are some addresses that have a special ring to them for numismatists. New York, 123 West, 57th Street was one of them. For almost 70 years, it housed what insiders called “The Numismatic Club House”. It’s where Stack’s coin shop had been located since 1953. An entire dynasty of coin dealers received famous collectors and scholars from all over the world in the hallowed halls of the American coin trade.
Fun at the FUN - CoinsWeekly
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=4] Let’s admit it: Florida has a huge advantage in January. The weather is a pleasure! Instead of wrapping yourself up in a puffy coat and a thick scarf, you can spend your time by the pool in a T-shirt, enjoying a cup of tea or a cocktail depending on the time of day. Therefore, it’s no surprise that many coin dealers from all over the world love to travel to Florida for the FUN show in January, especially because it has much more to offer than great weather.
The Numismatic World in Warsaw
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=4] I clearly remember my first International Numismatic Congress in Berlin. Only those who wore their congress badge could use public transport for free and enjoyed free admission to museums. Therefore, everyone wore their badge. All of a sudden, you could see how many numismatists were roaming around Berlin. For me, who was rather known as the exotic one in my group of friends, this was an incredible experience.
The World’s Fair of Money
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=4] There are a few must-see events in the international numismatic calendar. One of them takes place in the middle of August: the “ANA” – which is the unofficial abbreviation for the World’s Fair of Money organized by the American Numismatic Association. In 2022, it was once again held in Rosemont, that meticulously planned new town near Chicago International Airport, which is dreaded by coin dealers from all over the world.
A Testimony to the Habsburgs' Claim to Power: The Three Emperors Issue
A Testimony to the Habsburgs’ Claim to Power: The Three Emperors Issue by Fritz Rudolf Kuenker GmbH and Co. KG Published on February 15, 2022 There is an enigmatic coin that – without naming a specific ruler who commissioned it – symbolizes the Habsburgs’ claim to power: the so-called Three Emperors Issue. Künker offers two off-metal strikes in gold of this coin type as part of the sale of the Salton Collection on 22 March 2022. We summarize what is known about these mysterious pieces.
Muriel Eymery (1966-2022)
Muriel Eymery (1966-2022). [bsa_pro_ad_space id=4] Wherever I was heading for the next coin fair, whether it was Hong Kong, New York, London or Munich, one thing was certain: I would find Muriel Eymery there. She would beam at me and start telling me excitedly about the latest developments at whatever company she was working for. Muriel was a happy constant in my numismatic life. She was always there, ready to make contacts and spark connections.
General News - iapn-coins.org
Eldert Bontekoe – March 21, 1954 – March 30, 2020 Eldert Bontekoe March 21, 1954 – March 30, 2020 Obituary for Eldert August Bontekoe II Eldert August Bontekoe II (03/21/1954 – 03/30/2020) Eldert was a published author, speaker, and a professional numismatist for over 40 years. He was a collector of history for as long as anyone can remember. He achieved the level of Eagle Scout in 1970. The same year he began his professional numismatic career, working part time for a local coin shop.
The Morgan Dollar and the Rarest Silver Crown of the Latin Monetary Union
By Ursula Kampmann for Numismatica Genevensis …… On November 16, 2021, Numismatica Genevensis will be auctioning a very important numismatic rarity. It is the rarest silver crown of the Latin Monetary Union. Only five specimens of this 5-franc coin from 1886 are known: three of them are located in Switzerland’s most important museums. Only two of them are in private hands. And now, for the first time since 2008, one of those two specimens is coming onto the market.
Politics, Religion and Divine Retribution: The Failed Ambitions of William II of Orange
by Ursula Kampmann on behalf of Künker If you think that the Thirty Years’ War was a German affair, you are wrong. Germany was just the battlefield on which the rulers of Spain, France, Denmark and Sweden pursued their ambitions. An international front was formed at the Rhine. The Protestants and Catholic France stood on one side, and the Catholics around the Habsburg emperor and the Spanish on the other. It was all about the Netherlands.
$9.36 Million: Why the Brasher Doubloon Is the Most Expensive Gold Coin of the World
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=4] On 21 January 2021, the US auction house Heritage set a new record for a Brasher Doubloon at $9.36 million. Thus, this icon of US numismatics far surpasses the former record holder, a 1933 Double Eagle sold in 2002. In 2002, the coin had been sold for the impressive amount of $7.59 million and held the record for about twelve years. Of course, that’s all very impressive but such prices are not made up out of thin air.
The Gold Standard Part 1: How and Why Gold Became the Most Important Metal for Coins
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=4] It actually all started with Sir Isaac Newton, or rather, with the huge gold deposits discovered in Brazil, and the trouble they caused him. These finds pushed down the price of gold in such a way that the established mint ratio between gold and silver coins had to be constantly recalculated. Even Isaac Newton – who was, at the time, master of the Royal mint in the Tower of London – failed to keep up with these developments.
How Colours Made Their Way Onto Coins
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=4] It was 28 years ago, and I still remember it as if it happened yesterday. For the first time, I visited the World Money Fair, which obviously wasn’t called World Money Fair in 1992 but Europa-Münzenmesse Basel and was held in the sports hall of St. Jakob. And my venerable boss walked through this very sports hall, dressed in suit and tie.
What Can Be Seen on Euro Coins: The Brandenburg Gate Part 1
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=4] Actually, German euro coins seem to be rather unimaginative when compared to those of other countries. We’ve already seen oak leaves on countless occasions and the German federal eagle isn’t much of an original symbol either. The Brandenburg Gate was the only new addition made to the design programme of circulation coins at the introduction of the Euro.
Between Jurassic Park and a Nation’s Icon: Depicting Prehistoric Fauna on Coins
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=4] Do you like old movies? If you do, you certainly remember “Bringing Up Baby”, the Hollywood comedy with Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn. Are you wondering how that’s related to fossils? Well, this example perfectly illustrates what the general public thought of those who studied fossils and the high art of palaeontology before 11 June 1993. They were considered to be unworldly scholars.
Olympics, World Championships and Everything Where Germany Flies the Flag
Not only collector’s coins are reminiscent of the 1972 Olympic Games. The buildings still shape Munich’s cityscape. The central sports facilities around the Olympic Hall and the Olympic Tower remained almost unchanged. Photo: Maximilian Dörrbecker (Chumwa) / CC BY-SA 2.5 [bsa_pro_ad_space id=4] Angela Merkel has her duties as German Chancellor. Her days are probably filled to the brim. And yet she travelled to Rio for the final match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup despite her overflowing agenda.
Medieval Sicily Part 9: The Golden Age of Sicily Begins
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=4] All previous episodes of the series “Medieval Sicily” can be found here. We left Sicily in 1085 when Robert Guiscard died during his second invasion of the Byzantine Empire. Robert’s successor was his eldest son from his second marriage, Roger Borsa. Salerno. Roger Borsa. Tari. From auction NAC 109 (2018), No. 1550. Apulia. Roger Borsa. Follaro. From auction CNG 283 (2012), 475.
The War against Cash
April 5, 2018 – It’s so advanced: You are standing at the checkout, you swing your credit card and the bill is paid within seconds. No jingling coins in the pockets. No annoying rummaging for change. A modern person only needs their mobile and their credit card to pay. Only few people realise that this leads to a string of consequences. Cash money does not have a lobby, after all. The media are dominated by those who expect fantastic business with the financial transactions of entire nations.
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