Collectors, historians, and curious newcomers are set to gather as Minted MNL presents ‘Where Stories Bloom’ (Summer Show 2026) on March 14 and 15 — a two-day event transforming currency, documents, and memorabilia into tangible pieces of Philippine history.
Founded in 2016 by Sigrid Carandang, Minted MNL has built a growing following in the heritage collecting space, championing the stories, craftsmanship, and historical connections behind every collectible.
Last year’s auction drew record participation, including the P6 million sale of the historic Spanish-Philippines piece Firme V Feliz Por La Union and the P1.4 million sale of the Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos P5,000 gold coin (red edition).
“Nearly everyone attended the auction last year. Our research indicates that the majority were male collectors of coins, paper money, medals, comics, stamps and antiques,” Carandang said during a press preview at The Westin Manila.
When asked which pieces might headline this year’s auction, she said predictions remain uncertain. “We can’t tell yet which historic pieces will receive the most attention this year. Each piece is valuable in its own way.”
Among the early standouts is the rare 2,000-piso commemorative banknote issued in 1998 by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to mark the centennial of Philippine independence. The note features former President Joseph Estrada taking his oath at Barasoain Church, linking modern leadership to the revolutionary roots of the Malolos Republic. Withdrawn from circulation in 2015, surviving examples are now prized in modern Philippine numismatics.
Another centerpiece is the Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos P5,000 gold coin in its elusive blue edition, currently valued at approximately P900,000. Political transitions over the years reportedly led to some examples being lost or melted down, tightening supply and increasing demand among serious collectors. The blue issue remains one of the most recognizable contemporary commemoratives in Philippine numismatics due to its limited mintage and historical resonance.
Perhaps the most historically significant artifact is a certificate signed by Emilio Aguinaldo on October 31, 1899 — just days before the Fall of Tarlac. Executed ten days before Aguinaldo fled advancing American forces, the document bears his title as President and Commander-in-Chief and carries the seal ‘Presidente Republica Filipina.’ It stands as a rare surviving fragment of sovereignty from the First Philippine Republic.
Also drawing attention is a rare example of Spanish colonial emergency coinage linking Mexico and Manila: a Philippines 2 Reales, KM-88 (Type VI countermark), graded F15 by PCGS. Authorized under a decree dated December 14, 1835 and suppressed effective March 31, 1837, the coin reflects a short-lived response to the influx of Mexican republican silver circulating in Manila. The crowned ‘Y.II’ countermark, hand-applied in Manila, remains clearly identifiable despite circulation wear — a feature highly valued by numismatists due to its scarcity.
Visitors may also encounter rare José Rizal vintage photographs from the late 19th to early 20th century, Malolos Republic coat buttons, cufflinks, pendants, and even commemorative pieces such as a sculpted and colorized Sinulog coin honoring the Santo Niño de Cebu.
More than just an auction, the Summer Show positions collecting as a bridge between academic history and personal discovery. The two-day program will include seminars, educational talks, grading and authentication services, card-signing events, painting workshops for children and young adults, and a marketplace for buying, selling, and bidding on sought-after collectibles.
Event Schedule:
- March 13 – Online auction launch
- March 14 – Main auction at The Westin Manila (9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)
- March 15 – Activities and exhibits at the Textite Building
For collectors, hobbyists, auctioneers, and history enthusiasts alike, the Summer Show 2026 promises a two-day celebration of culture, craftsmanship, and the enduring value of the past.
