May 15, 2014 – The 2014 Singapore International Coin Fair (SICF) proved to be an unprecedented success. The 3-day coin event (March 28-30) attracted thousands of visitors, with long lines forming before the doors opened. Business was strong for all involved, and carried on past the scheduled closing times-hours were extended to allow the crowds of people to complete their business with over 100 different dealers and mints attending.
Registration lines forming before the show opened.
SICF 2014 was organized by Panda America for the 4th straight year, and took place at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Center in Singapore. Over 25 different countries were represented at SICF 2014, representing the numismatic community of mints, dealers, collectors, traders, manufacturers and associations all gathering in Singapore to promote public awareness and interest in the field of numismatics.
The bourse floor was constantly packed with people.
Dealers and mints were unanimous in their praise of the show. Dealers with tables and booths reported strong business, while many other international coin dealers from around the world spent the weekend roaming the fair from booth to booth, actively buying & selling Chinese coins. Attendees brought with them a feverish demand for all things involving coins & banknotes.
2014 SICF Commemorative Silver Medal.
Especially popular was the official 2014 SICF Commemorative Medal. It features a stunning design of Marina Bay Sands on one side, and Singapore’s iconic Merlion Statue on the other. Made in both silver and copper, these limited edition medals proved to be a great souvenir from the show.
Unveiling the 1,000-ounce Austrian ‘Big Phil’ Gold Coin with Financial Investor Jim Rogers.
SICF 2014 was pleased to welcome the Austrian Mint to Singapore with their display of “Big Phil”, a 1,000-ounce (68-pounds/31-kilograms) .9999 pure gold Philharmonic coin. It is one of the largest gold coins ever minted. This was the first time a coin this big has been in Singapore. Collectors in Singapore could not forget the sight of this gigantic gold coin, with many people stopping to take photos with the crowd-pleasing gold coin with a value of $1,350,000 USD, or $1,714,500 SGD, for the gold value alone.
Other international mints that had displays include China Great Wall/China Gold Coin Inc., Monnaie de Paris, Banco de Mexico, New Zealand Mint, Scottsdale Mint and the Holy Land Mint of Israel.
Panda America President Peter Yeung & CEO Kitty Quan greeted many guests to the show, including APMEX CEO Scott Thomas.
Visitors to the SICF 2014 found numerous buying and selling opportunities, and also had the opportunity to learn more about numismatics and investments as well as rub shoulders with some of the biggest players in the industry. In particular, the SICF organizing committee was honored to have renowned Financial Investor and TV Personality Jim Rogers attend the show. Based in Singapore, Mr. Rogers participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony and could be seen roaming the bourse floor admiring the displays of gold and silver.
2014 Panda designer Rocky Zhao signing autographs.
Also present was Albert Cheng, Managing Director, Far East of The World Gold Council, helping to stimulate interest in gold investments for the attendees of the show. Rocky Zhao, the artist and designer of the 2011 and 2014 Chinese Panda coin, was a featured guest who did a meet and greet with attendees, signing autographs and shaking hands with collectors of the Chinese Panda coins. Visitors had the opportunity to listen to educational talks to enhance their knowledge of numismatics. Dealers and collectors found an open platform to meet & greet, communicate & exchange views, and to build long-lasting relationships.
SICF 2014 also allowed for numerous private meetings between dealers and mints, old and new friends. Over 270 participants gathered for a reception banquet on Friday night at Serenity Spanish Bar and Restaurant, hosted by Kitty Quan, CEO of Panda America, and Peter Yeung, President of Panda America. Those who gathered at the banquet enjoyed a wonderful selection of authentic Mediterranean style foods and drinks, lasting until the wee hours of the morning.
With the strong support of the numismatic field, the SICF has grown into one of the premier numismatic events in the world. The SICF 2015 is scheduled for March 27-29, 2015.
Interested dealers and mints are invited to email Sim at Panda America …
… or by visiting the official fair website.