The sinking of the Lusitania: medals as war propaganda
The sinking of RMS Lusitania on 7 May 1915 was a hugely significant event during the First World War and was subsequently chosen as a subject of German war propaganda. Henry Flynn, Project Curator with the British Museum tells the story of a German medal by Karl Goetz and its British reply.
Sicily in Full Bloom Part 4
In the fourth part of our journey through blossoming Sicily we experience a country full of contradictions. The shrine of the Venus of Eryx on top of Mount Erice will lead us to lofty heights while the valley is in mourning during the Misteri di Trapani, the famous passion procession in the eponymous city.
Shining the Future – Mint Directors Conference in Mexico
Between 11 and 14 May 2014, the 28th Mint Directors Conference took place in Mexico. Mint representatives from approximately 40 nations discussed current issues relevant to coin manufacturers. This is Ursula Kampmann with a conference report.
The Phatthalung gold treasure
On 24 or 25 May 2014, unknown persons discovered some gold ornaments in the South of Thailand. That has sparked a gold rush. Destitute people from the whole province are now digging for treasures. The Fine Arts Department of the government does not know what to do and has now called the army for help and threatens the population with punishment.
smac – State Museum of Archaeology Chemnitz opened
Saxony has a large new museum: the State Museum of Archaeology Chemnitz (smac). It sets new standards in the German museum scene. The permanent exhibition was designed by renowned Atelier Brückner.
Las Vegas Club Show a Success
The 51st Annual Las Vegas Numismatic Society Coin Show held April 4-6 attracted 3044 attendees and approximately 300 dealers to a sold out bourse floor. Pre-registered conventioneers came from as far away as France, Australia and Canada.
Whitman Releases New Morgan Dollar Book by Miles Standish
Whitman Publishing has released “Morgan Dollar: America’s Love Affair With a Legendary Coin”, by Michael “Miles” Standish. Standish is vice president and senior grader of PCGS. His new book presents an engaging history and coin-by-coin study of the famous Morgan silver dollar.
Finland’s new «Animals of the Provinces» series
The provincial animals of Finland’s historic provinces are being honoured with their own collector coins. On 27 May, by authorisation of the Ministry of Finance, Mint of Finland released the coins of Karelia and Savonia as the first in a series of nine collector coins. The nominal value of a collector coin is five euros.
News from the Perth Mint in April
The Perth Mint is as productive as ever and releases a number of new coins, among them new issues in the “Land Down Under”, the “Koala” and the “Mother’s Love” series.
First gold coin of Saddle Ridge Hoard donated to San Francisco Mint Museum
The California family who discovered over $10 Million in buried gold coins has decided to use the first piece of their newfound fortune to help save the historical National landmark where 1,312 of the 1,427 gold coins in the now-famous Saddle Ridge Hoard were struck.