The medals of Ferdinand the Good (1793-1875)
Once again, Tomas Kleisner has contributed a superb publication coming from the Czech National Museum in Prague: A catalogue of the museum’s collection of the medals of Ferdinand the Good. Ursula Kampmann tells you all about it.
Canada to melt down 200,000 historical coins?
Canada plans to melt down 200,000 gold coins from the years 1912 to 1914. Since Ottawa abandoned the gold standard at this time, the coins were stored as public assets. The best preserved pieces were recently sold.
Did National Geographic bribe Egyptian Indiana Jones?
Did the famous National Geographic pay illegal bribes to Zahi Hawass, Egypt’s former chief archaeologist in order to be granted privileged access to sites and information? According to an online-article the US Justice Department is investigating.
New euro coins from the Royal Dutch Mint
After more than a decade, the Royal Mint introduces new euro Dutch coins. The eight denominations of euro coins featuring King Willem-Alexander’s portrait will be issued in early 2014.
Australian Mint reveals “A Voyage To Terra Australis”
The Royal Australian Mint has revealed the new theme for its gallery press which this year is honouring the 200th anniversary of the publication of Matthew Flinders’ journal “A Voyage to Terra Australis”.
Record high on U.S. coin market in 2013
The U.S. rare coin market was estimated at $5 billion in 2013 and soared with nearly $393 million of coins sold at auction the past year, according to the nonprofit Professional Numismatist Guild.
“Heaven and Earth”: Unique exhibition on Byzantine art
In the first exhibition devoted to Byzantine art at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, some 170 rare and important works, drawn exclusively from Greek collections, will offer a fascinating glimpse of the soul and splendor of the mysterious Byzantine Empire.
Japan Mint releases last new coins of 2013
Japan Mint issued a new silver coin under the Japan 47 Prefectures Coin Program as well as two pure gold coins for next year’s zodiac sign, a horse. The silver coin features “Yakushima Island”, which belongs to the prefecture and is registered as UNESCO World Heritage.
Austrian Mint’s 2014 Niobium Coin “Evolution”
The 2014 issue of the hugely popular niobium coin from Austrian Mint will celebrate the theme of evolution. That the newest issue features two shades of color, blue and green, is in itself a small (r)evolution.
Sami parliament asks for commemorative coin
To celebrate the 100-year jubilee of the first Sami national meeting it was proposed that the central bank issues a commemorative coin or banknote. Although a first request was declined, the matter has not been decided yet and continues to provide a lively political debate.