Directed by Giuseppe Bertolami, the Department of Coins and Medals explores the evolution and historical, economic, and cultural context of numismatics, as well as commemorative, celebratory, and decorative medals.
The Department's mission is to offer rare collectible coins and medals, which are difficult to find on the market, through periodic auctions and private sales. The selection process for coins and medals included in auction catalogs involves in-depth analysis of their value, authenticity, condition, and rarity. In parallel, the Department of Coins and Medals provides technical-scientific consulting services, including analysis and evaluation of numismatic objects, using some of the most advanced investigative techniques and equipment. This service ensures the quality and authenticity of the coins and can also identify minting errors and die varieties.
The Department of Coins and Medals benefits from the scientific expertise of specialists across all fields of numismatics. Ancient coins, tangible testimonies of history, society, and power, fall into the category of passion assets—alternative investment assets that combine financial value with the pleasure of owning rare, unique, and historic objects that preserve and pass on historical memory.
The art of coin minting has evolved over centuries, from ancient hammered monometallic and bimetallic coins to mass-produced coins that facilitated trade and wealth accumulation due to their small size, high value, and durability.
Over time, gold, silver, and bronze coins disappeared, giving way to banknotes. While medals and coins may appear similar, they differ in function: a medal has no face value and therefore cannot be used in commercial transactions. Medals originated in the 15th century, an innovation by Renaissance artist Pisanello, who minted the first medal in Ferrara in honor of Byzantine Emperor John VIII Palaiologos. The purpose of ancient medals was to celebrate events, victories, or important figures—from religious leaders to monarchs—as well as military achievements, scientific discoveries, geographical explorations, anniversaries, royal coronations, and major peace treaties.
Throughout history, medals have also been awarded for civil, scientific, or artistic achievements, a tradition that continues today with Olympic medals and other honors.
Pierpaolo Irpino – Expert in Modern Italian and Foreign Coins and Medals A collector, numismatic expert, and court-appointed consultant (CTU) at the Tribunal of Salerno, Pierpaolo Irpino has an extensive background in numismatic studies. He also directs the numismatic studies series Il Tornese for D’Amico Editore and has authored numerous scientific publications.
The Department's mission is to offer rare collectible coins and medals, which are difficult to find on the market, through periodic auctions and private sales. The selection process for coins and medals included in auction catalogs involves in-depth analysis of their value, authenticity, condition, and rarity. In parallel, the Department of Coins and Medals provides technical-scientific consulting services, including analysis and evaluation of numismatic objects, using some of the most advanced investigative techniques and equipment. This service ensures the quality and authenticity of the coins and can also identify minting errors and die varieties.
The Department of Coins and Medals benefits from the scientific expertise of specialists across all fields of numismatics. Ancient coins, tangible testimonies of history, society, and power, fall into the category of passion assets—alternative investment assets that combine financial value with the pleasure of owning rare, unique, and historic objects that preserve and pass on historical memory.
The art of coin minting has evolved over centuries, from ancient hammered monometallic and bimetallic coins to mass-produced coins that facilitated trade and wealth accumulation due to their small size, high value, and durability.
Over time, gold, silver, and bronze coins disappeared, giving way to banknotes. While medals and coins may appear similar, they differ in function: a medal has no face value and therefore cannot be used in commercial transactions. Medals originated in the 15th century, an innovation by Renaissance artist Pisanello, who minted the first medal in Ferrara in honor of Byzantine Emperor John VIII Palaiologos. The purpose of ancient medals was to celebrate events, victories, or important figures—from religious leaders to monarchs—as well as military achievements, scientific discoveries, geographical explorations, anniversaries, royal coronations, and major peace treaties.
Throughout history, medals have also been awarded for civil, scientific, or artistic achievements, a tradition that continues today with Olympic medals and other honors.
Pierpaolo Irpino – Expert in Modern Italian and Foreign Coins and Medals A collector, numismatic expert, and court-appointed consultant (CTU) at the Tribunal of Salerno, Pierpaolo Irpino has an extensive background in numismatic studies. He also directs the numismatic studies series Il Tornese for D’Amico Editore and has authored numerous scientific publications.
Staff
Giuseppe Bertolami
Department head
Pierpaolo Irpino
Modern Coins Scientific consultant
Francesco di Rauso
Modern Coins Scientific consultant
