{"id":256402,"date":"2026-07-13T14:46:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T11:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1kitap1.com\/en\/coin-collector-issue-48-april-2026-coin-collector\/"},"modified":"2026-07-13T14:46:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T11:46:00","slug":"coin-collector-issue-48-april-2026-coin-collector","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1kitap1.com\/en\/coin-collector-issue-48-april-2026-coin-collector\/","title":{"rendered":"Coin Collector – Issue 48 April 2026 – Coin Collector"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Twice in the past year they were forced to adjust the face value of German silver commemorative coins because the silver price was rising faster than decision-making processes. At the end of 2025, a temporary moratorium was imposed \u2013 and the rumour mill went into overdrive: a move away from silver as a coinage metal? A drastic increase in face values? Or a rebirth of silver commemoratives in the form of a German bullion coin? At the start of 2026, the Ministry of Finance announced its decision \u2013 and hardly anyone had anticipated this solution.<\/p>\n

The alloy of the \u20ac35 collector coins will be reduced from Ag 925 to Ag 444. In addition, the weight of these coins will be cut from 18g to 16.667g. For the \u20ac50 Christmas collector coin, the alloy will be lowered from Ag 999 to Ag 500, while the weight remains unchanged. Admittedly, this sounds like a stopgap solution, but it is also not something worth getting worked up about for more than five minutes.<\/p>\n

Some users of a well-known online coin forum saw things differently. Under the headline \u2018Dangerous symbolism: initiative to prevent German euro coins with Ag 444\u2019, an open letter was published. In his detailed letter, the forum member argues that the number \u2018444\u2019 refers to the fourth letter of the alphabet (D) and, when decoded, means \u2018Deutschland den Deutschen\u2019, or \u2018Germany for the Germans\u2019 \u2013 a claim he says can also be found in a publication by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.<\/p>\n

According to the author, there is \u2018reason to fear that, with the choice of a silver alloy of Ag 444 for German euro collector coins by those politically responsible \u2013 whether intentionally or unintentionally I cannot and do not wish to judge \u2013 a political message is being sent into the country, across Europe and worldwide\u2019 that could provide \u2018grist to the mill\u2019 of parties aligned accordingly. A debate quickly gathered pace, during which further evidence for the alleged numerical taboo was unearthed.<\/p>\n

\u2018On 23 March 1933, the so-called Enabling Act was passed. This law enabled the transition from democracy to the National Socialist dictatorship. The law was adopted with just 444 votes,\u2019 one comment stated. And that was not all: \u2018The 444th Security Division of the Wehrmacht operated from 1941 to 1944 in Ukraine and southern Russia and was tasked with security duties, anti- partisan operations and war crimes.\u2019 It is entirely understandable \u2013 and commendable \u2013 to remain sensitive to extremist currents on both the right and the left in today\u2019s social climate.<\/p>\n

But in the numismatic microcosm, a simple fineness specification is now enough to trigger a veritable firestorm \u2013 seriously?<\/p>\n

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Latest headlines, including the Trial of the Pyx, the World Money Fair and a new exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum. 8 AUCTION UPDATE The latest coin sales from around the world, both online and in the auction houses. Plus, recent internet sales via delcampe.net 11 TREASURE HUNT Michael Burzan weighs up the pros and cons of collecting a few very large gold coins against many smaller gold ones.<\/p>\n

14 VIEW FROM EUROPE Sebastian Wieschowski sets out why the number \u2018444\u2019 will not become a political problem for German silver coins. 15 VIEW FROM THE USA With the USA celebrating its 250th anniversary, Jeff Garrett casts his expert eye over the special circulating coinage being issued to mark the event. 16 THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCOTTISH COINS Carl Savage provides a survey of the monetary and iconographic development of late-medieval Scottish coins from King David I to King James VI and I.<\/p>\n

Coin Collector \u2014 April 2026 | 2 | www.collectors-club-of-great-britain.co.uk contents www.collectors-club-of- great-britain.co.uk Published by Warners Group Publications plc, West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH PUBLISHING Publisher: Claire Ingram claire.ingram@warnersgroup.co.uk EDITORIAL Editor: Alison Boyd Design: Mike Carr Contributors: Michael Burzan, Jonathan Callaway, Jeff Garrett, Paula Hammond, Carl Savage, Sebastian Wieschowski. ADVERTISING & PRODUCTION Kristina Green, Tel: 01778 392096 kristina.green@warnersgroup.co.uk Alex Lyon Tel: 07350 360313 alex.lyon@warnersgroup.co.uk MARKETING Marketing Executive: Rebecca Abbott Tel: 01778 395081 rebecca.abbott@warnersgroup.co.uk Marketing Assistant: Kirsty Westran kirsty.westran@warnersgroup.co.uk PRINTED BY Stephens and George Print Group, Woodforce house, 1 Goat Mill Rd, Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 3TD DISTRIBUTION BY Nikki Munton, nikkim@warnersgroup.co.uk Tel: 01778 391171 Warners Group Publications plc West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH Disclaimer The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher.<\/p>\n

Every care is taken to ensure that the contents of the magazine are accurate, but the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors. While reasonable care is taken when accepting advertisements, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any resulting unsatisfactory transactions, but will immediately investigate any written complaints. Copyright No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without the prior written permission of the publisher.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This is a short excerpt from the opening of “” by Unknown, quoted for review and introduction purposes. All rights belong to the copyright holders.<\/em><\/p>\n

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