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The Logbook

85 articles

Inspiration

Commemorated jubilatory jubilees

The term “jubilee” has sometimes been a little misappropriated and its definition appears to vary depending on whether it is used in reference to the Pope, royalty, or a monumental invention... Whatever the case may be, it is now high time to salute t(...)

296 collectible item

06/13/2022

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The Écu de Calonne

Contrary to what the designation of this coin might lead one to believe at first glance, Calonne is not the name of the engraver of this illustrious and renowned écu. In fact, it is that of the no less illustrious and no less renowned Controller-Gener(...)

Reading time: 4'36"

03/25/2022

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Bronze medals

Copper + tin = bronze While bronze was a common choice in ancient times for both weapons and coins, it has also more recently become an indispensable material for all renowned medalists with a bright talent... From the Renaissance to the present day, (...)

7005 collectible item

01/28/2022

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Coin weights

Prior to the 20th century (and even later depending on the country), the weight (or rather the mass to be more precise) of a coin reigned supreme. Furthermore, the face value of the coin often referred to the corresponding weight. For example, the pou(...)

Reading time: 5'4"

01/25/2022

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The decadrachm of Syracuse

While most collector’s items have a relatively reasonable price, in some cases their extreme rarity, age, state of conservation and beauty make them true museum pieces and render them almost priceless. This little antique silver gem satisfies all the (...)

Reading time: 0'44"

01/07/2022

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Open day at the maisons closes

Prostitution was more or less tolerated in France from the reign of Louis XV up until 1804, although it did become more strictly controlled as time went on. Louis XVI proved a little less tolerant, with prostitutes being sent either to prison or to th(...)

38 collectible item

06/11/2021

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"Just one certainty is enough for the one who is looking."

Albert Camus

Blog articles for numismatists and collectors. News, stories, History and inspirational series.