How Filipino collectors are turning passion into a growing industry

Minted MNL brings collectors together, showcasing rare finds, and expanding the local collecting community into a recognized industry.

The world of collecting in the Philippines is quietly thriving, combining history, culture, and investment into a hobby that’s increasingly attracting attention both locally and internationally. 

This was evident during Minted MNL’s Year-End Show held in late November, a two-day event at The Westin Manila that gathered thousands of collectors and exhibitors, showing how far the community has come since the organization was founded in 2016.

What started as small, informal gatherings has now evolved into high-profile events capable of drawing international attention. 

“Collecting is not about how much money you have. What drives this market is what’s available, who’s willing to sell, and the stories behind each piece. Collectors today are more engaged and more informed, and the industry is moving faster than ever,” Sigrid Carandang, Minted MNL founder and chair, told radar Business.

Over the years, Minted MNL has grown in size, with social media following jumping from 68,000 to over 170,000 in recent years, and consequently in influence.

From coins to NBA trading cards

While the Philippines is best known in collecting circles for coins, Minted MNL says that the hobby extends beyond numismatics (the study or collection of coins, paper money, and tokens).

Today, it includes trading cards, such as Pokémon and NBA cards, and commemorative items that reflect cultural heritage. The association’s approach is designed to appeal to a younger generation, bridging gaps between seasoned collectors and newcomers.

The financial side of collecting is as diverse as the items themselves. Newcomers often start small, with coins or banknotes costing as little as P100, but more experienced collectors may invest significantly in rare or high-value pieces. 

International-level purchases, Carandang says, especially at major shows abroad, can reach millions of pesos, often justified by the cost of travel.

International participation

Minted MNL’s events show this balance of passion and commerce. Their two-day show at The Westin featured 60 exhibitors—80% of them international—representing countries such as the US, UK, Hong Kong, Italy, Indonesia, and Vietnam. 

Exhibitors showcased coins, banknotes, tokens, medals, trading cards, and rare historical documents. Highlights included Spanish-era 8 reales with double countermarks, limited-edition Marcos 5,000 PHP banknotes, and preserved 1898 newspapers. Live auctions allowed collectors to acquire high-value pieces, while the exhibition space offered curated displays from top collectors and antiquarians.

Authentication and grading remain central to the business side of collecting. Minted MNL provides a submission center where items are certified and graded, with the process typically routed through offices in Hong Kong and the US. This ensures that high-value items are legitimate and provides confidence for buyers.

The corporate structure behind Minted MNL has also evolved. Originally registered with the Department of Trade and Industry, the organization became a formal corporation last year. Carandang runs the company with a team of five, focusing on authenticating, grading, and facilitating transactions for collectors locally and abroad. Revenue flows through both auctions and direct trades, while international connections bring in foreign collectors, strengthening the market for Philippine collectibles.

Pandemic accelerated growth

The industry itself has changed considerably over the past decade. From humble beginnings at Tropical Hut in Panay, Minted MNL shows now feature educational talks, thematic exhibits, and family-friendly activities. 

The pandemic accelerated the growth of collecting, Carandang said. “A lot of people who were not collectors started collecting during the pandemic. They had time at home, looked through their possessions, and realized they wanted to continue the series or complete sets.” This expanded both participation and sophistication among collectors.

Today, collectors in the Philippines span all ages. Older enthusiasts often focus on rare historical pieces, while younger participants are exploring modern commemoratives, trading cards, and more accessible collectibles. Minted MNL actively encourages these younger audiences through themed shows like this year’s “Heritage Reimagined,” which fused fashion with numismatics to highlight Filipino cultural pride. 

“We wanted to make sure everyone, especially the younger generation, finds joy in collecting and appreciates our heritage,” Carandang said. Children’s activities, like board games in partnership with Gaming Library, help cultivate interest from an early age.

Growing hub for numismatics

Internationally, the Philippine market is increasingly recognized. Coins and collectibles are auctioned abroad, attracting collectors from China, Japan, Hong Kong, and the US. This exposure positions the Philippines as a growing hub for numismatics, while also encouraging reciprocal appreciation for global currencies and heritage items. Even in Southeast Asia, countries like Vietnam are showing emerging interest, though they lack established local shows.

Filipino collectors themselves are becoming more discerning. Many now seek aesthetic and historical value, rather than merely collecting for novelty. “Collectors are more engaged now. They collect items they didn’t consider before. And the environment is fast—you can research, query, and understand the story behind the item,” Carandang said. The trend is a marked change from earlier years, when information was harder to access and younger collectors were rarer at shows.

Minted MNL currently holds two major shows annually, one in March and the Year-End Show in November, with plans to expand into provinces such as Cebu and Davao. Provincial outreach is challenging due to the need to connect with established collectors and exhibitors, but demand from regional enthusiasts is growing.

Government participation, support

Government participation has also added credibility to the sector. Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ presence at the shows allows collectors to purchase official gold coins and commemoratives, reinforcing the hobby’s legitimacy and supporting both local and international trade.

For Carandang, the business of collecting in the Philippines is about cultivating a community. Minted MNL has created an ecosystem that encompasses authentication, auctions, exhibits, education, and youth engagement, ensuring sustainable growth for collectors of all levels. 

 

 

Filipino collectors are transforming a beloved hobby into a thriving industry, combining passion, culture, and history in the evolving market.

 

 

READ: