For most people, coins and paper bills might be seen as a daily necessity for living life. However, there are individuals whose passion for these currencies become a life-long hobby. For these people, more than just the quirky serial number combinations, misprints, and errors, these coins are a tangible link to the past, some of which are now in the distant, forgotten years.
It is this rich history that brought together numismatists from all around the country, some even abroad, to the Minted MNL Summer Show held at the Westin Manila Hotel last March 8 and 9. During the two-day affair, the carpeted floors of the ballroom was transformed into a vibrant bourse where people could buy coins and paper bills from different collectors.
There was also a special section where exhibitors displayed rare coins, some of which are worth over a million pesos a piece in value. Aside from coins and paper bills, there were other historical items that were on display, such as an original photograph of Jose Rizal’s execution, gold accessories and jewelry, and other items.
At the heart of the event is Sigrid Carandang, the founder of Minted MNL. She shared that her interest in collecting coins started at an early age. “I was only three years old at the time. Instead of candy or sweets, I always liked anything that was shiny and shimmering.”
What started as a childhood penchant for shiny baubles evolved into a passion for coin collecting. However, Carandang said that this was rooted in a love for history and preservation. In 2016, she established Minted MNL and became an official dealer for numismatic grading institutions such as the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), Numismatic Conservation Center (NCC), and Paper Money Guaranty (PMG).
Minted Manila’s first summer show last year saw 1,500 attendees but this year, the number has doubled to over 3,000. Carandang shared that this only shows that the Philippine coin collecting community continues to grow.
“It’s an exciting year for us because we’re growing, and as you can see, there are foreigners coming to the exhibit. What more in the years to come as we expect this to grow year on year,” Carandang said.
International numismatic firms have also taken notice. Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio, a major auction house, has recognized the Philippines as an emerging market.
“We’re here in the Philippines because there’s a lot of opportunity. America and Europe have been collecting coins for 300 years. China, around 25 years. The Philippines, less than 20 years. If you go to America and Europe, it’s going to be hard to get rare finds because most are already in the hands of longtime collectors. The Philippines is a young market with a lot of potential.” Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio director of Asian Operations Nirat Lertchitvikul said. “
