From 10,000 to 325,000 euros: Catherine the Great dominates the auction
21 July 2026
From 10,000 to 325,000 euros: Catherine the Great dominates the auction
The Heidelberger Münzhandlung offered a 10-ruble coin of Catherine the Great at auction 92, starting at €10,000. It climbed to €325,000. We explain why, and what makes this coin so special.
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The Short-Whiskered Dragon
2 June 2026
The Short-Whiskered Dragon
Estimated at $2 million, this exceptionally rare 1911 pattern coin from the Tientsin Mint reflects a pivotal moment in Chinese history, marking a nation in transition.
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Swiss marksmen in the U.S.
14 April 2026
Swiss marksmen in the U.S.
In 1897, Swiss marksmen held a national shooting competition. A medal from the Rod K. Moore Collection commemorates it, featuring William Tell, Helvetia, and Lady Liberty—how did it reach America?
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Birds of Paradise in the German Empire
16 March 2026
Birds of Paradise in the German Empire
Arguably the most fine and wanted commemorative coin of the German Empire features a bird of paradise. This motif was chosen for reasons that went beyond mere aesthetics.
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Kumaragupta and the Rhinoceros
3 March 2026
Kumaragupta and the Rhinoceros
While Rome struggled in the West, Gupta culture flourished in northern India. Their coins rival Rome’s. Here is a coin of Kumaragupta, the rhino slayer.
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750,000 CHF for the First Sovereign
3 February 2026
750,000 CHF for the First Sovereign
A royal edict of October 28, 1489, introduced the sovereign, a new English gold coin. A premier first-generation example has just sold at auction for 750,000 CHF.
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Kill the profiteers!
3 February 2026
Kill the profiteers!
In the 19th century, the German Peasants' War was seen as purely religious, while communists stressed its economic causes—an interpretation now considered correct.
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Asklepios plays soccer
22 January 2026
Asklepios plays soccer
Since Caracalla, Asclepius regularly appears with a small ball at his feet. The article explains why this object can be seen there and what we can conclude about Caracalla's personality from this.
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Allez Hop!
20 January 2026
Allez Hop!
Switzerland’s first colored commemorative coin, dedicated to a circus, was a major success and also attracted strong interest from artists.
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