Archive – France
Christians fight against Christians with the assistance of the Turks
It is an unspectacular coin, that testimony of the culminating conflict between France and Spain, between Francis I and Charles V. ... [ more ]
Sensation at 5 Centimes in Le Petit Journal
The 1896 share certificate of the newspaper Le Petit Journal shows a sou in the lower border. France counted about 40 million people around that time... [ more ]
From Pavia to the Sack of Rome – siege coins in Italy
Why was it that Renaissance rulers went to Italy to seek good fortune? Why was it that thousands of ducats and thaler were spent on mercenary soldiers? This article gives an insight into the war between Francis I of France and Charles V of Italy... [ more ]
Between Germany and France: A story about the fortress of Philippsburg
On June 20, 2011, Künker’s will auction a thaler of Christoph of Soetern of utmost rarity struck in honor of Udenheim. The coin was issued just after the fortress had been completed, only some weeks before it was renamed in Philippsburg. Here’s the story about the man, the coin and the fortress... [ more ]
Cochin-China – an almost forgotten episode of French history
On June 22, 2011, a big collection of French coins will be auctioned off at Künker’s including a rare pattern, which was produced in Paris for the French colony Cochin-China. What’s the story behind? And where is Cochin-China located anyway? [ more ]
Elizabeth I – Ruler of the Seven Seas
The Virgin Queen she was called by her contemporaries – and she made them tremble. Elizabeth I was a key figure of the 16th century, her navy controlled the oceans, England flourished.
By examining 12 coins we are going to stroll through Great Britain’s history – this is part 7.
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Freedom for Algeria – The Fate of Abd el-Kader
Standing in the middle of the Château d’Amboise garden on the Loire is a Muslim cemetery from the 19th century. Here, the followers of Algerian freedom fighter Abd el-Kader were buried with honour. What brought them to this place is a story that begs telling. [ more ]
A Numismatic Relic from the Piedmont Civil War
On November 28, 2012, a very special coin goes on the market at Numismatica Genevensis. The coin in question, estimated at 150,000 francs, is a gold coin in the value of 10 écus whose front depicts the young Prince Charles-Emanuel II of Savoy as well as the stern face of his mother. The following will provide you with a bit more detail as to the background of this rare specimen. [ more ]
Gold hoard found in French cellar
A French couple has found a hoard of gold coins worth at least 100,000 euros (GBP 89,000; USD 140,000) in the cellar of their home in the town of Millau. The coins date from 1595 to the French Revolution... [ more ]