Mc Richard Paglicawan
Collectors, numismatists, and enthusiasts converged at The Westin Manila for Minted Manila’s two-day year-end showcase, a gathering that highlighted some of the Philippines’ rarest coins, banknotes, memorabilia, and cultural artifacts under the theme ‘Heritage Reimagined.’
The event featured a curated selection of historical currencies and vintage collectibles, transforming the hotel’s Sonata Ballroom into a haven for both seasoned collectors and curious visitors. More than a marketplace, the show served as an educational venue where items were presented not only by their monetary value, but by their historical and cultural significance.
Among the most notable pieces was the ultra-rare ₱5,000 gold coin featuring former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and First Lady Imelda Marcos.
Minted in 21K gold and first released in 1977 to commemorate the 5th anniversary of Ang Bagong Lipunan, only 100 specimens were produced.
One Brilliant Uncirculated specimen is valued at ₱1.5 million, while the Gold Proof edition is estimated at ₱700,000, reflecting its scarcity and desirability among collectors.
Other displays included circulating coins and paper bills from multiple Philippine administrations, medals from the Spanish and American periods, and classic komiks—each illustrating how cultural narratives are preserved through tangible artifacts.
Minted MNL’s auction segment placed significant attention on two versions of the Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos 5000-Piso commemorative gold coin, widely regarded as among the country’s most exclusive modern issues.
The red edition, minted in 1970 by the Franklin Mint, has a striking ruby-red enameled field and was produced in an extremely limited run of 100 pieces, making it the rarest gold release of the Marcos era. Weighing 68.74 grams with a diameter of 50 millimeters, it sold at the event for approximately ₱1.4 million.
The blue edition, issued in 1975 as the standard proof release in the 5000-Piso program, remains highly sought after. With only 2,832 pieces minted—and many believed to have been destroyed after political transitions—its rarity continues to increase. The coin features high-relief busts of the Marcos couple on a deep blue enameled background, paired with national emblems and legal tender markings on the reverse.
Across the ballroom, exhibitors presented vintage banknotes, commemorative medals, colonial-era relics, 1980s memorabilia, and contemporary releases. The show drew visitors of all ages, each engaging with the stories behind the artifacts.
Organizers emphasized that every collectible on display carries a narrative beyond price—serving as educational material, a personal connection, or a preserved piece of heritage.
Adding a contemporary layer to the showcase, fashion students from the SoFA Design Institute debuted Modern Filipiniana designs. Each piece blended traditional influences with modern silhouettes, presenting youthful interpretations of national identity—reinvented yet firmly rooted in Filipino heritage.
To support collectors in safeguarding the long-term value of their items, the event included a Manila Submission Center, offering onsite grading and certification services through PCGS Asia, NGC, PMG, and CGC. Services covered coins, paper money, tokens, medals, and selected memorabilia.
These professional authentication platforms are used globally to ensure legitimacy, preservation, and long-term market stability for collectibles.
Every year, Minted MNL—led by founder Sigrid Carandang—attracts nationwide attention for its high-profile displays and record-setting auctions. Its reputation has grown alongside an expanding collector community eager to preserve physical artifacts of Philippine history.
Carandang encouraged new collectors to study the background of each item—whether a coin, banknote, medal, token, trading card, or antique—before investing, noting that heritage becomes more meaningful when understood.
From enthusiasts seeking rare pieces to beginners just discovering the hobby, Minted MNL reinforced a central message: collecting is not merely about ownership. It is a way of keeping stories alive.
The two-day Minted MNL year-end show was held at The Westin Manila, joining collectors, history lovers, and the broader #CollectibleCommunity under one roof.
