The numismatic industry, which revolves around the collection and study of coins, paper money, and historical currency, is a multi-billion-dollar global market.
While still an emerging field in the Philippines, Minted MNL is determined to put the country on the map with its ambitious efforts to promote and professionalize numismatics.
Founded in 2016, Minted MNL has rapidly established itself as the country’s premier numismatic auction house, setting record-breaking sales, attracting international collectors, and elevating the local coin-collecting scene to international standards.
Sigrid Carandang, chairman of Minted MNL, has been fascinated with coins since childhood, an interest that eventually led her to create a platform dedicated to advancing numismatics in the country.
“I’ve been collecting since I was a child. I was always fascinated by coins—any shiny coin, really. If I saw one in someone’s pocket, I would ask for it,” she shared.
That childhood curiosity evolved into a mission to develop and legitimize the numismatic market in the Philippines. “We want to make sure Minted MNL is not just a platform but a gateway to the world for collectors, historians, and hobbyists,” Carandang said.
Unlike traditional art auctions, Minted MNL focuses exclusively on numismatics, featuring rare coins, medals, and paper currency. Some of its most notable auction pieces include the four reales coin, which started at ₱2.5 million, and the eight reales coin from Mexico’s Iturbide Empire, an artifact from Mexico’s brief struggle for independence.
“That empire only lasted eight to ten months. This coin represents Mexico’s fight for liberation,” Carandang explained.
Minted MNL’s rise has been swift. In its first full year of auctions, it recorded ₱15 million in sales, far surpassing its competitors.
“Last year, we had about 1,500 attendees. This year, we’ve doubled that—3,000 people registered,” Carandang revealed.
Before Minted MNL, the numismatic community in the Philippines was largely informal. “Do you know where we used to trade coins? At Tropical Hut Hamburger, on the second floor. It wasn’t even a reserved space—we would just meet there, eat burgers, and trade,” she recalled.
One of the biggest challenges in collectibles markets is authenticity. Minted MNL ensures the credibility of its auctions by exclusively selling coins graded by two of the world’s leading authentication bodies: PCGS Asia and Certified Collectibles Group (CCG).
“They are the gold standard in authentication. There are smaller companies, but these two are the global leaders,” Carandang explained, emphasizing the importance of legitimacy in the market.
Beyond sales, Minted MNL is committed to educating collectors. Rather than selling directly through social media, the company uses its platforms to inform people about the historical and cultural significance of coins.
“We want people to understand the story behind each piece, not just its price tag. Every coin has a history, and that’s what makes this hobby meaningful,” she said.
To encourage new collectors, Minted MNL offers items at accessible price points, starting at ₱3,000 to ₱5,000, making it easier for beginners to participate.
Minted MNL recently hosted Summer Show 2025, the largest numismatic gathering in the country, on March 8-9 at The Westin Manila Hotel in Ortigas. The event attracted over 3,000 attendees, including 100 young collectors, eager to explore rare historical items.
Among the most significant artifacts showcased and auctioned were:
- Jose Rizal’s original execution photographs
- Jose Rizal’s 1901 Silver Quill Medal (award for La Juventud Filipina)
- A 19th-century Emilio Aguinaldo revolutionary handkerchief
- Philippine-U.S. Commonwealth peso coins
- Rare 17th-18th century silver and gold coins
One of the most notable highlights was the auction of rare historical coins, including a cedula (tax certificate) from the 1896 Philippine Revolution, a 1766 Barilla coin minted in Manila, and a four reales Mexican coin from the 19th century.
The most expensive item sold was the eight reales coin from Mexico’s Iturbide Empire, which fetched a staggering $72,500 (₱4 million).
The auction was held live and online through the Moreton auction platform, attracting both local and international buyers. Some online bidders were even present at the event, with loud cheers erupting from the exhibition hall when the Isabel II four reales coin sold for $41,000.
The overwhelming success of the Summer Show 2025 underscores the growing interest in Philippine numismatics. Carandang noted that foreign collectors are drawn to the country’s unique currency history, which reflects its colonial past.
“We want to make sure that Minted MNL is not just a platform but a gateway to the world—in terms of the passion for the arts, the hobby of collecting, and the preservation of history,” she said.
Having attended international coin shows in Hong Kong, Orlando, and New York, Carandang observed that the Philippines is still far behind in the global numismatic market but sees immense potential.
“We’re far behind, but we see this market growing 10 to 20 times in the next five years,” she predicted.
With its increasing visibility and credibility, Minted MNL aims to: Expand its auction volume, attract more international buyers, further educate local collectors.
Despite her role as an industry leader, Carandang remains a passionate collector. “My favorite coin is a 1977 Marcos gold coin, which is perfectly graded. At our last auction, it sold for ₱1.5 million,” she shared.
For her, the magic of numismatics lies in discovering history through tangible artifacts.
“Owning a coin is like holding a piece of history. That’s what makes this hobby special,” she said.
With its rapid growth and ambitious vision, Minted MNL is not only shaping the future of numismatics in the Philippines but also positioning the country as a key player in the global collecting community.
“We are just getting started. The best is yet to come,” Carandang affirmed.
