Minted Manila’s year-end show draws hobbyists of rare coins and memorabilia
Collecting coins, banknotes, and memorabilia in the Philippines is no longer just a niche hobby. What used to be a quiet pastime has grown into a vibrant community where history, artistry, and investment come together, and Minted Manila’s year-end show has just proved it.
On Nov. 22 and 23, The Westin Manila in Ortigas became the ultimate hub for collectors, enthusiasts, and curious visitors at Minted Manila’s two-day event. The show had it all: rare coins, vintage paper money, medals, historical artifacts, and even fashion.
One of the biggest highlights? The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) made a rare appearance, bringing heritage items, rare coins, and books for attendees to explore and buy. For collectors, this was a game-changer, and for Minted Manila, it was a big step forward.
“For us, it’s very important to have government support. Now it feels almost like retail, you can just go and get what you need,” said Minted Manila founder Sigrid Carandang. “They’re part of the hobby and supporting collectors. They brought stunning book pieces that are on display and for sale. They also have books and some heritage items for the public to view.”
Inside the Sonata Ballroom, displays ran the gamut from Spanish colonial-era coins to quirky 1980s collectibles and modern releases. Attendees could also get items graded and certified onsite through PCGS Asia, NGC, PMG, and CGC, making sure their prized pieces stay authentic and valuable.
The show’s auction stole the spotlight, featuring some of the rarest coins in Philippine history. Among them were the Spanish-era “Firme V Feliz Por La Union” coin and the Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos 5,000-peso gold coin. The Spanish coin, originally from Peru, tells a story of 19th-century monetary fixes under Queen Isabella II, with holed and stamped designs that survived decades of history.
The Marcos gold coin, especially its Red Edition, is one of the rarest in the country. Only 100 were made, most were lost after 1986, and its deep ruby-red finish makes it a standout piece of craftsmanship and history.
Both coins came in elegant cases with certificates of authenticity.
Fashion was also a highlight of the event, as students from the SoFA Design Institute presented modern Filipiniana collections. Each outfit offered a creative interpretation of Filipino identity, connecting cultural heritage from the past with fresh, modern design sensibilities.
Founded in 2016, Minted Manila has grown beyond a collectibles fair into a platform where history, culture, and personal stories meet.
“This is where you see tangible pieces of the past you can actually hold,” Carandang said. “Every piece tells a story, and we want people to feel the joy of collecting while connecting with our heritage.”
