Coins, Culture, and Community: Minted Manila puts meaning into collecting
Contributed by Sandy Cagurangan
Since its founding in 2016, Minted Manila has been establishing a passion for collecting by organizing events that bring together enthusiasts from all walks of life. Specializing in coins, paper money, medals, tokens, trading cards, and antiques, the company has played a crucial role in expanding the local numismatic scene.
The recently held Minted MNL Summer Show on March 8 and 9 at The Westin Manila drew an impressive crowd, marking the event’s second year in the Philippines. Attendance nearly doubled from last year, growing from 1,500 to 3,000 attendees. “Last year, we had 1,500 attendees. This year, it’s about 3,000,” said Sigrid Carandang, Chairman of Minted Manila.
Thriving auction scene
One of the biggest highlights of the event was the highly anticipated auction, featuring an array of rare and valuable collectibles. The figures speak for themselves—last year’s auction closed at ₱15 million, and this year, Minted Manila is aiming even higher. “Last year, our auction sold for PHP 15 million, and this year, we’re expecting around PHP 20 million,” Carandang stated.
Ensuring the authenticity of each item is a top priority. The event partnered with Professional Coin Grading Service Asia (PCGS Asia) and Certified Collectibles Group (CCG)—two of the most trusted authentication bodies in the world. “All items in our auction are graded by PCGS Asia and CCG, the top two authenticating bodies in the world,” Carandang emphasized.
History preserved
Beyond auctions and acquisitions, Minted Manila is committed to educating the public about numismatics—the study and collection of currency, including coins, paper money, and tokens. “We wanted to educate people that there’s another collecting hobby for the currency, the coins, the paper money, medals, tokens, and antiques,” Carandang explained.
The Philippines holds a unique place in numismatic history due to its colonial past. “Our country was conquered by a lot of people: Japan, the U.S., Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Peru—so our coins are part of their history, making them highly collectible,” she noted. This historical significance has attracted collectors worldwide, sparking greater interest in Philippine currency.
Promising future for numismatics in the Philippines
With growing awareness and an expanding market, the future of numismatics in the country looks promising. “We see the market growing 10 to 20 times in the next five years,” Carandang confidently predicted. As more Filipinos embrace the value of coin collecting, Minted Manila is setting the stage for the Philippines to emerge as a key player in the global numismatic industry.
Through events, auctions, and education, Minted Manila continues to inspire a new generation of collectors—ensuring that the art, investment, and history of numismatics live on for years to come.
