Upcoming Numismatic Events in Singapore for 2023

Introduction

Singapore's numismatic scene is vibrant and active, with numerous events scheduled throughout 2023 that cater to collectors, enthusiasts, dealers, and those curious about the fascinating world of coins and banknotes. From international exhibitions to intimate collector gatherings, these events offer opportunities to expand collections, gain knowledge, and connect with fellow numismatists.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or just beginning your numismatic journey, this guide will help you plan your calendar for the most significant coin and currency events happening in Singapore in 2023.

Major Exhibitions

Singapore International Coin Fair (SICF) 2023

The Singapore International Coin Fair is the largest numismatic event in Southeast Asia, attracting dealers, mints, and collectors from around the world. This three-day event features:

• Over 100 international dealers and exhibitors
• Exclusive coin launches and limited editions
• Educational seminars on various numismatic topics
• Free appraisal services for visitors' coins and banknotes
• Competitive exhibits showcasing exceptional collections

This year's special exhibition will focus on "Asian Trade Currencies Through the Centuries," featuring rare specimens from private collections and museums. Admission is S$10 per day or S$25 for a three-day pass, with special discounts for students and seniors. Pre-registration on the Singapore Mint website is recommended to avoid queues.

Singapore Numismatic Association Annual Exhibition

Celebrating its 48th year, the Singapore Numismatic Association's Annual Exhibition remains a cornerstone event for local collectors. This year's theme, "From Colony to Nation: Singapore's Monetary Evolution," will showcase the development of Singapore's currency from the Straits Settlements era to present day.

Event highlights include:

• Curated displays from top local collectors
• Daily guided tours by numismatic experts
• Trading tables where collectors can buy, sell, and exchange
• Workshops on authentication and preservation techniques
• Special activities for young collectors

Admission is free, making this an excellent opportunity for newcomers to explore the world of numismatics without financial commitment.

Auctions & Sales

Spink Singapore Summer Auction

Spink & Son, one of the world's oldest and most prestigious numismatic auction houses, will hold their summer auction in Singapore featuring an impressive array of Asian coins, banknotes, medals, and tokens.

Auction highlights will include:

• The Professor Tan Collection of Straits Settlements coinage
• Rare early Singapore banknotes, including several Specimen notes
• A comprehensive collection of Malaysian States emergency issues
• Southeast Asian trade currency and merchant tokens

The auction catalog will be available online one month prior to the event. Viewing days will be held on June 21-22, allowing potential bidders to examine lots in person. While the auction is open to the public, registration is required for bidding privileges.

Singapore Coin & Notes Marketplace (SCNM)

The Singapore Coin & Notes Marketplace is a monthly event where collectors can buy, sell, and trade numismatic items in a casual setting. Unlike formal auctions or exhibitions, SCNM offers a relaxed atmosphere for collectors to interact directly.

Each month features different themes and special guests, with the following highlights planned for 2023:

• March: Focus on Straits Settlements coins
• May: Singapore banknote special
• August: National Day commemorative issues showcase
• October: Ancient coins of Asia
• December: Year-end swap meet and festive gathering

Admission is free for Singapore Numismatic Collectors Club members and S$5 for non-members. Table rentals are available for those wishing to sell, with prior booking recommended.

Educational Events & Workshops

Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Heritage Gallery Workshops

The MAS Gallery offers regular educational workshops that are excellent for beginners and those interested in the official perspective on Singapore's currency. The 2023 workshop series will cover various aspects of numismatics:

• March 18: "Understanding Security Features in Modern Singapore Currency"
• May 20: "The Design Process Behind Singapore's Bicentennial Notes"
• July 15: "Conservation Techniques for Paper Currency"
• September 16: "Digital Currency and the Future of Cash"
• November 18: "Commemorative Issues: Beyond Face Value"

Workshops are free but require pre-registration through the MAS website due to limited seating. Sessions typically last 2 hours and include hands-on components and take-home materials.

Numismatic Lecture Series at the National University of Singapore

This three-day academic series brings together numismatic scholars, historians, and experts to present research on Southeast Asian monetary history. The 2023 theme, "Commerce, Culture, and Currency: Numismatic Evidence in Southeast Asian History," will feature presentations from local and international speakers.

Highlights include:

• Keynote address by Dr. Michael Feng, curator of the British Museum's Asian Coin Collection
• Panel discussion on archaeological numismatic findings in recent Singapore excavations
• Research presentations on merchant tokens in colonial Singapore
• Technical sessions on non-destructive testing methods for ancient coins

Registration is S$120 for the full series or S$50 per day, with student discounts available. The proceedings will be published in a special volume following the event.

Special Commemorative Releases

Lunar Year of the Rabbit 2023 Coin Series Launch

While this event has already occurred, the coins remain available through the Singapore Mint's retail and online channels. The 2023 Lunar Year of the Rabbit collection features 10 coins across various metals and denominations, including limited edition gold and silver pieces.

Singapore Bicentennial $20 Note Series Completion Event

The Monetary Authority of Singapore is expected to hold a special event to mark the completion of the Bicentennial series with the release of a commemorative folder containing all denominations. This National Day event will likely include displays of the design evolution and security features of the series. Details will be announced closer to the date on the MAS website.

Virtual Events

Singapore Numismatic Virtual Symposium

To accommodate international participants and those unable to attend physical events, the Singapore Numismatic Association will host its second annual virtual symposium in October. The online format allows for international speakers and global audience participation.

The symposium will include:

• Live presentations from numismatic experts worldwide
• Virtual exhibition of rare items from private collections
• Online trading rooms for attendees
• Q&A sessions with authors of recent numismatic publications
• Digital workshops on photography techniques for numismatic items

Registration is S$35 for both days, including access to recordings after the event. Early bird discount available until September 1, 2023.

Regional Events Worth Traveling For

For collectors willing to travel, several significant events in neighboring countries complement the Singapore numismatic calendar:

Bangkok International Coin Fair

Only a short flight from Singapore, the Bangkok International Coin Fair features strong representation from Southeast Asian dealers with specialties in regional currencies.

Hong Kong Coin Show

The Hong Kong Coin Show is one of Asia's premier numismatic events, with strong representation of Chinese, British colonial, and Asian coins and currencies. Several important auctions are typically scheduled around this event.

Planning Your Numismatic Calendar

With so many events throughout the year, collectors should consider these strategies for maximizing their numismatic experiences:

• Mark key dates on your calendar early and register for events with limited capacity
• Budget wisely, considering which events offer the best opportunities for your collecting interests
• Join the Singapore Numismatic Association for member discounts and early access to events
• Follow dealers, auction houses, and organizations on social media for last-minute announcements
• Consider volunteering at major events for behind-the-scenes access and networking opportunities

For beginners, mixing educational events with smaller trading sessions like the monthly marketplace is an excellent way to build knowledge before investing in significant purchases at auctions or major shows.

Conclusion

Singapore's 2023 numismatic calendar offers something for everyone—from academic lectures to trading opportunities, major exhibitions to intimate club meetings. By planning ahead and taking advantage of these events, collectors can enhance their knowledge, expand their collections, and connect with the vibrant community of numismatists in Singapore and beyond.

Whether your interest lies in Singapore's unique monetary history, broader Asian numismatics, or specialized collecting niches, these events provide valuable opportunities to deepen your engagement with this fascinating hobby.

Keep checking the Vetto Starn website and newsletter for updates on these events, including detailed previews and post-event reports throughout the year.