Gold, Silver, the Morgan Dollar and the Rarest Silver Crown of the Latin Monetary Union
On 16 November 2021, Numismatica Genevensis will be auctioning a very important rarity: 5 francs, 1886 – the rarest silver crown of the Latin Monetary Union. Produced around the same time as the Morgan dollar, its rareness also shares the same economic and historical background: the overproduction of silver in the American town of Virginia City, Nevada.
Nudes at the Time of the French Third Republic
Medals reflect contemporary history, as demonstrated by the W. Risse Collection ‘Nuditas in nummis’. Johannes Nollé reveals the connection between the art of the 19th century and the plaques produced by French medallists from 1870 to 1940.
Prussian Switzerland
For more than a century, Prussian kings ruled over the Swiss Principality of Neuchâtel. By means of coins from the Axel Tesmer Collection, which will be on sale on 28 and 29 September 2021 at Künker in Osnabrück, this article explains how that came about and which coins commemorate this period.
Heinrich Wilhelm von Werther: The Man Who Averted a War
Sometimes, a war can be prevented or provoked by a single diplomat: this is the story of Heinrich Wilhelm von Werther, who played a central role in preventing a Europe-wide war from breaking out in 1830. The French king presented him with a unique medal, which will be auctioned at Künker on 27 September 2021.
A New Currency for a New Japan
On 27 September 2021, an icon of Japanese coinage will be auctioned off as part of the Schwarz Collection offered by Künker: the 20 yen piece of 1870 of which only very few specimens were minted to be given to dignitaries of the imperial court. We tell its story.
From Lira to Euro. Italy’s History in Coins – Part 4: Italy as a Colonial Newcomer
After the unification, Italy had a lot of problems. And the politicians loved to distract from them. A reliable means: showing strength and winning colonies. The Italians plunged into the power adventures in Africa – and got a bloody nose.
From Lira to Euro. Italy’s History in Coins – Part 3: The Battle for Rome
The new state of Italy is growing together, however, the “heart” of the country – Rome – is controlled by the Pope. When France withdraws its protective hand from the Holy See, the patriots are already in the starting blocks to storm the Eternal City.
From Lira to Euro. Italy’s History in Coins – Part 2: The Italian Unification
In 1860, Italy was gripped by national fever: Giuseppe Garibaldi “liberated” the south and Victor Emmanuel II became king of all Italy – well, almost. The first thing the new kingdom got was a uniform currency with really nice coins.
From Lira to Euro. Italy’s History in Coins – Part 1: The Risorgimento
In the middle of the 19th century, Italy was made up of numerous small states that had their own currencies. However, the Count of Cavour came along and united the country by means of diplomatic skill and passion.
When Cologne Almost Became Calvinist
In 1582, the Archbishop of Cologne converted to the Reformed faith. Not for religious reasons but because he wanted to marry his beloved. This triggered a war. In its anniversary auction 350, Künker offers a 2 1/2 taler piece of this bishop.