Review of the World Money Fair: The “Gold Rush” Among Collectors Continues
by Sebastian Wieschowski
The World Money Fair, a globally renowned coin event, returned in 2023 after a hiatus due to the Covid pandemic, garnering high anticipation for its 2024 edition in Berlin. Despite concerns following years of virtual formats, the comeback in 2024 proved successful, affirming the enduring importance of coin collecting in Germany and Europe.
This year's fair showcased a blend of traditional numismatics and forward-thinking themes, including "Third Party Grading" and licensed products featuring pop culture motifs, reflecting the evolving interests of collectors.
Precious metal investment emerged as a prominent focus, with vendors offering gold and silver products, including popular themed designs like Koala and Kookaburra. Alongside classical numismatics, the fair also featured a high-profile coin auction by the Künker auction house, highlighting the continued appeal of historical coins.
The fair's main exhibition hall at the Berlin Estrel Hotel resembled a numismatic Disneyland, attracting visitors with special effects, promotions, and new coin releases. While beginners and families explored this area, the business transactions primarily took place in surrounding rooms, where collectors and dealers from around the world showcased their wares.
Established in 1972 and relocated to Berlin in 2006, the World Money Fair has become a pivotal event in the numismatic world, drawing collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts globally. This year marked the introduction of the WMF Club, offering benefits such as discounted tickets and exclusive lounge access, aimed at enhancing engagement with the coin-collecting community throughout the year.
The fair also featured rare special products, sparking a "gold rush" atmosphere among attendees. However, market fluctuations post-fair raise questions about the sustainability and meaningfulness of such limited editions. Despite these challenges, the fair's small changes signify a move towards modernization while preserving its core identity and significance in the numismatic realm.
In conclusion, the World Money Fair's 2024 edition emphasized both continuity and change, reflecting a delicate balance between tradition and innovation. Despite facing some challenges, the fair remains a cornerstone event in the coin-collecting calendar, offering a platform for networking, trade, and celebration of the art and history of money.
Sebastian Wieschowski has been collecting coins since childhood and, after working as a journalist with a focus on finance and economy, has switched his focus on coins and precious since 2012. He is the author of several self-published books on Bullion Coins, Panda Coins, Fake Coins and Coin Grading and works for numismatic magazines. He is also a recurring expert on the German television program Münzengalerie (Coin Gallery), the longest running numismatic television show in the world. You can find out more about his work at coinosseur.com
