When Oxford was the capital of England…
For a few years during the English civil war, Oxford acted as royal capital. This article presents an extremely fine “triple unit” of Charles I from this period in time, which will be put to auction in the upcoming Künker auction on June 21, 2018.
Elizabeth I – Ruler of the Seven Seas
The Virgin Queen she was called by her contemporaries – and she made them tremble. Elizabeth I was a key figure of the 16th century, her navy controlled the oceans, England flourished.
By examining 12 coins we are going to stroll through Great Britain’s history – this is part 7.
Ironsides of England: Oliver Cromwell
In the 17th century England experienced a period without king when the officer Oliver Cromwell was trying to establish a republic – even at the cost of precipitating the whole country into a civil war.
By examining 12 coins we are going to stroll through Great Britain’s history – this is part 8.
A Glorious Revolution
Besides the fear of having no king at all the English feared always the scenario of a Catholic king. In 1688 dread of becoming re-Catholicised led the aristocrats to call a Protestant from the Netherlands to be their new king.
By examining 12 coins we are going to stroll through Great Britain’s history – this is part 9.
Between East and West or: the first Western coins of China
The first Chinese coins imitating western models were struck on the island of Formosa, modern-day Taiwan, nearly 200 years before. This article will tell the story, how it came about...
Let’s be merciful and hang them: The Catherine Heyland case
In March 1788, a police unit of the Westminster community stormed a locked room in London. They had been tipped off that two people committed a crime in that house that was forbidden under penalty of death: false coining...
The Irish harp
Every coin of Ireland, from 1 cent to 2 euros, features a harp. We ask why the harp plays such an important role in Irish identification.
Henry VII – Founder of the Tudor Dynasty
In the mid-15th century two aristocratic houses divided England deeply fighting the so-called War of the Roses. Henry VII overcame this situation by a marriage founding a new, stable dynasty: the Tudors.
By examining 12 coins we are going to stroll through Great Britain’s history – this is part 5.
Henry VIII – the Man Who Had Six Wives
Henry VIII is renowned for his many wifes. Behind these marriages was his endeavour to unite love and a secure dynasty. On behalf of this goal he even broke with the Pope and the church.
By examining 12 coins we are going to stroll through Great Britain’s history – this is part 6.