And this is where Aristotle was wrong…
Aristotle, in his work on the structure of the Tarentine government, likewise described the coins of the city. He remarked that they depicted Taras, son of Poseidon, riding a dolphin. Was he right? Or is there another, more possible, option?
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.
The People of Zurich and Their Money 2: The Customs Station of Turicum
Our series takes you along for the ride as we explore the Zurich of times past. This time, you’ll get a chance to read about two men chatting with one another at the customs station of Turicum at the end of the 2nd century AD. 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.
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?
Another forger in north Hampshire?
On 5 August 2012 a late iron age coin punch was discovered by a metal detectorist near Andover, north Hampshire. Its function is unclear, it may be a trial or apprentice piece – or even an ancient forgery.
Unique dragon coin from Kent
On 20 February 2014 an ancient British silver coin of the highest rarity was unearthed by a metal detectorist near Canterbury in Kent. It was probably struck sometime around the birth of Christ by an obscure Cantian ruler.
Napoleon tames the Saxon Steed
Napoleon was a master in the art of humiliation. Please find here a characteristic example of his mastership: The French Victoria is taming the Saxon Steed on a medal made from Saxon silver.
The Treveri – the tribe which Treves was named after
On 8 October 2018, the first part of the Dr W. R. collection “Celtic world and Celtic money” will be liquidated in Künker auction 312. We use the ample material provided by the collection to present the history and the coins of the Celtic Treveri tribe.
Gold!
Jack London, Klondike and Burning Daylight
One day in December Daylight filled a pan from bed rock on his own claim and carried it into his cabin. Here a fire burned and enabled him to keep water unfrozen in a canvas tank. He squatted over the tank and began to wash...
Drusus and Sejanus – Roman Rules of Succession to the throne
At the death of Augustus the Roman polity was not a hereditary monarchy. The power over the Romans was not transferred automatically ...