Minted MNL returns with summer show spotlighting rare currency and historic artifacts

Collectors, historians and curious newcomers will gather as Minted MNL stages its Where Stories Bloom (Summer Show 2026) on 14 and 15 March — an event that transforms currency, documents and memorabilia into tangible pieces of Philippine history.

Founded by Sigrid Carandang, Minted MNL has built a growing following in the heritage collecting space, with last year’s auction drawing record participation.

“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.

Despite the buzz surrounding previous headline lots, Carandang said predicting this year’s top draw remains difficult.

“We can’t tell yet which historic pieces will receive the most attention this year. Each piece is valuable in its own way,” she said.

Independence in print

Among the early standouts is the rare 2,000-piso commemorative banknote issued in 1998 marking the centennial of Philippine independence. The note features former president Joseph Estrada taking his oath at Barasoain Church — linking modern leadership to the country’s revolutionary roots.

Withdrawn from circulation in 2015, surviving examples have since become prized collectibles in modern Philippine numismatics.

The blue edition gold coin

Another centerpiece is the Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos P5,000 gold coin in its elusive blue edition. Valued at roughly P900,000, the coin has become one of the most talked-about commemoratives in local collecting circles.

Political transitions over the years led to many pieces being lost or melted down, reducing supply and elevating demand among serious collectors.

A document from a fragile republic

Perhaps the most historically significant artifact is a certificate signed by Emilio Aguinaldo on 31 October 1899 — just days before the Fall of Tarlac.

Bearing his title as President and Commander-in-Chief and stamped with the seal “Presidente Republica Filipina,” the document was executed only ten days before Aguinaldo fled advancing American forces. It represents a rare surviving fragment of sovereignty from the First Philippine Republic.

Beyond bidding

The two-day program extends beyond auctions, featuring talks, family-friendly activities and a painting workshop designed to make heritage collecting accessible to all ages.

The schedule includes:

• 13 March – Online auction launch

• 14 March – Main auction at The Westin Manila

• 15 March – Activities and exhibits at the Textite Building

More than a marketplace, Minted MNL positions collecting as a bridge between academic history and personal discovery — where objects become storytellers and memory becomes the most valuable currency of all.