What is a cut bid?
2 June 2026
What is a cut bid?
Today, many people have forgotten that, just a few decades ago, bidding was an art form. Here, you can learn about the psychological tricks that were used in bidding.
Read more
What is a Jefimok?
27 April 2026
What is a Jefimok?
Countermarks on coins are a common phenomenon in numismatics. When it comes to Russian coins with countermarks or counterstamps, they are referred to as “Yefimoks.” Why?
Read more
What is a Novodel?
17 April 2026
What is a Novodel?
The Russian term “Novodel” literally means “new strike.” But is it the same as a restrike? And why do some Novodels sell for six-figure sums? What’s behind this phenomenon?
Read more
How is a coin design actually created?
17 April 2026
How is a coin design actually created?
Simply engraving an image onto a die isn’t enough. Coin design is a complex, time-consuming process, as Fabia Lyrenmann explains.
Read more
Understanding historical coinage
25 March 2026
Understanding historical coinage
How were historical coins made? Discover hammer minting, its key features, and how strike quality influences the value of ancient and medieval coins today.
Read more
Selling coins and the age-old question: How do I get the most for my coins?
17 March 2026
Selling coins and the age-old question: How do I get the most for my coins?
Consigning items for auction requires choosing the right auction house—one that gives the collection proper attention and reaches the right buyers. Commission is often a secondary consideration.
Read more
What is provenance?
10 March 2026
What is provenance?
Provenance is important, as any coin dealer will tell you today. But Ursula Kampmann explains who this is important for, why, and what it actually is.
Read more
What is an estimate?
28 October 2025
What is an estimate?
Do today's coin dealers have no idea about the value of a coin? Or why is it that their estimates have nothing to do with the surcharges? Ursula Kampmann explains.
Read more
What is non-circulating legal tender?
15 August 2025
What is non-circulating legal tender?
Even if you think you know what non-circulating legal tender means, you are sure to learn something new.
Read more