Dear Anna,
Finally I have time for a thoughtful response to this beautiful blog. As always, your pictures are magnificent. This time you managed to capture the texture of the coins. The shadows and sheen give a sense of actually being in the room with the artifacts.
The Maria Theresa Medal of Merit looks magnificent, as does the medal showing Joseph with his supernatural powers. It's hard, though, to select one coin over the other. They are all displayed so well.
The early coins, especially the Labyrinth of Knossos, are perhaps most remarkable for their historical significance. So well preserved. One can try to imagine the circumstance in which the coin was exchanged for a commodity that may no longer exist.
Thank you for this trip through history. My husband and son used to collect coins for the numismatic value. But they were always aware of the charm a coin carried, almost a missive from the past.
I hope you are having a pleasant summer. We live in special circumstances now. Happily, outside is one of the places where we may enjoy the day.
From New York, where summer has brought us near 100 degree heat,
Affectionately,
Your friend,
AG
Dear AG,
Thank you very much for your thoughts about my blog.
With its creaking floors and old wooden showcases, the coin cabinet has a charm of its own. You think you can feel the breath of history. The coins and medals are all beautiful to look at. To hold once such a testimony from the past in your hands must be very special. It's strange, that the Numismatic Collection is rarely visited. Maybe it's because of the unfavorable location inside the museum. But probably only true coin lovers will find their way here.
Especially in uncertain times, gold and silver coins are coming into focus as crisis currency. The Münze Österreich (Austrian Mint) reports record sales. I once read that the US Air Force gives its pilots gold coins to have exchange values in case of a crash on foreign territory. Gold is accepted everywhere and always.
I'm trying to make the best of the present circumstances. Unfortunately, the Corona-related restrictions are slowly increasing again. Let us hope for the best in the future.
Affectionately,
Anna
Dear Vieanna,
I think it is not extreme to consider owning gold, coins or otherwise, in these times. I wish I could afford to stash some away, for security.
Record sales. I'll have to tell my son who does not trust fiat, or the economic policies of world leaders. He'll be fascinated (and vindicated) by the report from the Münze Österreich.
I'm sorry your freedom is once again more limited, and that the virus threatens. Here in New York we have had many mandatory controls in effect for months, and I am grateful for them. After what we went through in March and April, it feels good to have a firm, intelligent governor at the helm.
Please stay well. I look forward to your reports, not only about museums but also about circumstances in Austria.
Affectionately,
AG
Dear AG,
I also think that it would not be wrong to invest part of your assets in precious metals. According to Münze Österreich, demand for them has increased strongly since the beginning of the Corona crisis. They even have to introduce a second work shift to cover the demand for silver coins. In Austria the purchase of gold is VAT-free, Silver on the other hand is subject to 20 percent value-added tax. An identification is mandatory for purchases of 10,000 euros or more.
It's good to hear that NY now has also stricter regulations after the virus was not taken seriously in the beginning. In Austria, the government is working out action plans in case of a second epidemic. I hope that they never have to be implemented.
I wish you well, stay safe and healthy.
Affectionately,
Anna
Dear Anna,
I don't think there will be a 'second' epidemic in Austria. The citizens in your country seem to be civic minded, in that they cooperate with restrictions. The virus can be controlled by people. In my country there is a rather large irrational fringe that denies the reality of the virus and even when the virus is acknowledged, insist on "freedom": the freedom to spread the virus.
Well, that's as political as I will ever get... I won't do it again :)
I believe in buying metals, but my husband and I live on pensions and will probably never work for a wage again (I hope not!). Our assets are pretty fixed at this point, so let's hope things don't get too chaotic.
Please stay well.
Affectionately,
AG
Dear AG,
I follow what goes on in your country through different media. Since I also don't like to make public statements about politics, only this: the performance of your president makes me partly speechless, not only concerning the current crisis management.
Taking responsibility for yourself and others is the order of the day. I hope that we will all overcome the crisis well. Please take care of yourself and stay well.
Affectionately,
Anna
🌞🌹 🌻🌻🌼 🌞