Join collectors and investors at the Porto International Numismatic Fair (PINF) Porto—an annual showcase since 2017 at the Fundação Dr. António Cupertino de Miranda, featuring rare coins, banknotes, bullion, expert appraisals, and international exhibitors in the heart of Portugal’s historic coastal city.
Overview and Significance
History and Founding
Organizer Profile: Paulo Oliveira – Numispar
Venue: Fundação Dr. António Cupertino de Miranda
Event Dates, Hours, and Admission
Exhibitor and Attendee Profile
Highlights of Exhibits and Offerings
Professional Appraisals, Consultations, and Seminars
International Scope and Exhibitor Participation
Numismatic Literature and Collecting Accessories
Networking, Knowledge Exchange, and Cultural Impact
Porto as a Host City: Tourism and Cultural Attractions
Tips for First-Time Visitors and Collectors
Sustainability and Future Directions
Conclusion
FAQs
Overview and Significance
Since its inception in 2017, the Porto International Numismatic Fair (PINF) has established itself as one of Europe’s foremost coin and banknote trade fairs, drawing both the general public and professional collectors to Porto each May.
Positioned at the crossroads of collecting, investing, and cultural exchange, PINF combines high-level expertise, rare items, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-attend event for anyone passionate about numismatics .
History and Founding
The Porto International Numismatic Fair (PINF) was founded in 2017, emerging from a clear vision to create a specialized platform in Portugal dedicated exclusively to the world of numismatics. At the time, despite Portugal’s deep-rooted coinage history—ranging from ancient Lusitanian coin finds to extensive colonial minting activities—there were few large-scale, internationally recognized numismatic events in the region. Recognizing this gap, veteran numismatist Paulo Oliveira, through his company Numispar, spearheaded the creation of a fair that would cater to both national collectors and the wider European numismatic community.
From its very first edition, the objective was clear: to establish a high-quality numismatic event that would combine professional depth, academic relevance, and cultural richness. By situating the fair in Porto, a UNESCO-listed historical city and a major economic hub in northern Portugal, the organizers ensured that the event was accessible, attractive to international guests, and rooted in a city with a rich historical narrative.
The first few editions of PINF were modest in scale but built on strong foundations. With a select group of exhibitors and an enthusiastic local audience, the fair quickly grew in stature. Word-of-mouth endorsements from collectors and professionals praised its well-curated exhibitions, transparent trade practices, and educational opportunities. Each subsequent year saw increased participation from foreign exhibitors, particularly from Spain, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—transforming what started as a local initiative into a European-level numismatic gathering.
A pivotal part of PINF’s growth has been its collaboration with the Fundação Dr. António Cupertino de Miranda, which houses Portugal’s most prestigious paper money museum. This partnership not only lent credibility and academic support to the fair but also allowed attendees to connect with permanent museum exhibitions during the event. The museum’s expansive collections of Portuguese currency, colonial banknotes, and economic history artifacts complement the spirit of PINF, blending trade with heritage.
By 2024, PINF had firmly secured its place on the international calendar of numismatic events. It became known not only as a commercial platform but also as an event where collectors, historians, and researchers could engage deeply with the subject. The fair’s reputation for quality, integrity, and accessibility helped it weather challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the organizers adapted with safety protocols while maintaining the fair’s core offerings.
The 2025 edition marks the 7th annual Porto International Numismatic Fair, representing nearly a decade of steady growth, innovation, and dedication to the world of coins and banknotes. Today, it stands as a testament to the vision set out in 2017—to provide a world-class experience for numismatists, investors, historians, and curious newcomers alike, all gathered in one of Europe’s most captivating cities.
Organizer Profile: Paulo Oliveira – Numispar
At the heart of the Porto International Numismatic Fair (PINF) is Paulo Oliveira, a well-known and highly respected figure in Portugal’s numismatic community. As the founder and principal organizer of the event, Paulo Oliveira has played a pivotal role in shaping PINF into the international success it is today. His deep passion for coin collecting, coupled with his commitment to professionalism and education, has elevated the fair from a regional gathering to a must-attend destination for collectors and investors from across the globe.
Paulo Oliveira is the proprietor of Numispar, one of Portugal’s most reputable numismatic firms. With decades of experience in the trade of coins, banknotes, and numismatic literature, Numispar has become synonymous with quality and integrity in the Portuguese market. The company deals in a wide range of items—from ancient and medieval coins to modern issues and paper money—serving both entry-level collectors and serious investors.
What sets Paulo Oliveira apart as a numismatist is not just his commercial success, but his dedication to education and historical preservation. Through Numispar, he has helped promote awareness of Portugal’s rich monetary heritage, while also introducing collectors to international numismatic trends and practices. He is known for his meticulous attention to authenticity and provenance, and for encouraging ethical collecting practices within the community.
When he founded PINF in 2017, Oliveira’s goal was to create more than just a marketplace. He envisioned a meeting point for knowledge exchange, cultural enrichment, and international cooperation. Under his leadership, the fair has consistently prioritized a high standard of exhibitor quality, transparent trading, and accessibility for new collectors. This emphasis on both professionalism and community spirit is a hallmark of every PINF edition.
Thanks to Oliveira’s efforts, each year the fair brings together an exceptional variety of international exhibitors, including dealers from Spain, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and beyond. He is personally involved in curating the event, selecting exhibitors, planning seminars, and fostering relationships with institutions like the Fundação Dr. António Cupertino de Miranda, which provides an exceptional venue and academic support for the fair.
Moreover, Paulo Oliveira remains approachable and actively engages with attendees—whether offering advice to young collectors, discussing market trends, or presenting at PINF’s educational seminars. His reputation has helped attract serious numismatic talent to the fair, including researchers, historians, dealers, and appraisers, who all recognize the value of participating in a Paulo Oliveira-led event.
In essence, Paulo Oliveira is the driving force behind PINF’s excellence. Through Numispar and his personal vision, he has cultivated an environment where numismatics is not just about commerce but about connecting people with history, culture, and each other. His leadership ensures that PINF continues to grow while maintaining its roots in scholarly integrity, quality, and passion for the fascinating world of coins and paper money.
Venue: Fundação Dr. António Cupertino de Miranda
The Porto International Numismatic Fair (PINF) is proudly hosted at one of Porto’s most prestigious cultural institutions—the Fundação Dr. António Cupertino de Miranda. More than just a venue, this foundation serves as a symbolic and functional heart of the event, offering an ideal setting where the past and present of monetary history come together under one roof. Situated along the elegant Avenida da Boavista, the foundation is easily accessible and stands as a beacon of cultural and educational excellence in northern Portugal.
Founded in 1964, the Fundação Dr. António Cupertino de Miranda was established with a mission to promote culture, education, and economic awareness. Over the decades, it has grown into a major reference point for cultural life in Porto. It is named after Dr. António Cupertino de Miranda, a visionary Portuguese businessman and philanthropist who dedicated much of his life to fostering financial literacy and supporting public institutions. His legacy lives on through the foundation’s broad scope of activities, which range from hosting exhibitions and conferences to supporting educational initiatives in economic history and finance.
One of the foundation’s most notable features is the Museu do Papel Moeda (Museum of Paper Money), which is housed within the same premises. This museum is a treasure trove for numismatists and historians alike. It contains one of the most comprehensive collections of Portuguese and former colonial paper money, along with other monetary artifacts that trace the evolution of currency in the Portuguese-speaking world. From rare 19th-century banknotes to beautifully designed modern issues, the museum provides a deep and engaging narrative of the economic history of Portugal and its former territories.
This museum-quality environment makes the venue uniquely appropriate for PINF, reinforcing the educational and cultural dimensions of the event. Visitors not only get to engage in numismatic trade and appraisal services but also have the rare opportunity to view permanent exhibitions on paper money and monetary systems, enriching their understanding of the historical context behind the collectibles they admire or purchase.
The building itself is modern, spacious, and well-equipped for large-scale events. It features multiple exhibition halls, seminar rooms, and conference spaces that allow for smooth navigation and optimal display of items. The layout supports clear organization of exhibitor booths, designated zones for consultations and appraisals, and quiet areas for lectures or networking. Ample lighting and climate control help preserve delicate historical artifacts, while creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for both exhibitors and visitors.
Another advantage of the venue is its proximity to key city attractions. Located in Porto’s upscale Boavista district, the foundation is surrounded by a rich urban fabric that includes hotels, restaurants, public transportation links, and iconic sites such as the Casa da Música and the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art. This makes it easy for international visitors to explore the city and extend their stay beyond the two-day event.
For both seasoned numismatists and curious newcomers, the Fundação Dr. António Cupertino de Miranda offers more than a physical location—it provides context, credibility, and culture. Its role as the official venue of the Porto International Numismatic Fair not only elevates the fair’s status but also highlights the importance of numismatics as a bridge between history, education, and economic heritage.
In summary, the foundation is more than just a backdrop to the PINF—it is a partner in its mission to celebrate, preserve, and promote the world of coins and banknotes. The synergy between the fair and this distinguished institution ensures that every edition of PINF is not only a commercial success but also a culturally enriching experience.
Event Dates, Hours, and Admission
The 7th PINF will be held Friday, May 9, to Saturday, May 10, 2025, with daily opening hours from 10:00 to 16:30 (UTC+01:00) .
Admission is entirely free for both professional visitors and the general public, encouraging broad participation .
Exhibitor and Attendee Profile
Exhibitors include specialized dealers of modern and historical coins, banknote traders, bullion providers, publishers of numismatic literature, and accessories vendors .
Attendees range from seasoned collectors and investors to newcomers eager to explore the hobby, fostering a dynamic mix of expertise and enthusiasm .
Highlights of Exhibits and Offerings
Visitors can explore rare and significant numismatic pieces, including ancient coins, colonial issues, limited-edition modern proofs, and bullion bars .
The fair also showcases cutting-edge collecting accessories—protective holders, display cases, magnification tools—and the latest reference catalogues and auction catalogs .
Professional Appraisals, Consultations, and Seminars
PINF offers on-site professional appraisal services, where accredited experts authenticate and value collectibles, providing both private collectors and investors with reliable guidance.
Complementary seminars cover market trends, preservation techniques, and advanced research methods, deepening attendees’ understanding of numismatics .
International Scope and Exhibitor Participation
Dealers and exhibitors hail from across Europe and beyond—Spain, Switzerland, Latvia, Brazil, the United States, and more—bringing diverse items and market perspectives .
This global mix amplifies trading opportunities and cultural exchange, positioning PINF as a truly international platform.
Numismatic Literature and Collecting Accessories
Publishers and authors present the latest books, catalogs, and periodicals on coin grading, historical series, and investment strategies .
Vendors also offer specialized accessories—album pages, coin flips, archival supplies—catering to both preservationists and display enthusiasts.
Networking, Knowledge Exchange, and Cultural Impact
Beyond buying and selling, PINF fosters networking among collectors, dealers, museum curators, and academic researchers, sparking collaborations and joint projects .
The fair’s cultural programming—lectures, guided tours of the museum collection—underscores numismatics’ role in understanding economic history and cultural identity .
Porto as a Host City: Tourism and Cultural Attractions
Porto’s UNESCO-listed historic center, port wine cellars, and scenic Douro riverside complement the fair experience, making it a compelling destination for culture and leisure .
Festival dates align with spring tourism season, encouraging visitors to extend their stay for local gastronomy, river cruises, and architectural tours.
Tips for First-Time Visitors and Collectors
Plan ahead by reviewing the exhibitor list on the official PINF website to target must-see stands and seminars .
Bring a reference library or digital catalogues, plenty of protective coin envelopes, and a magnifier; early arrival secures better access to rare items .
Sustainability and Future Directions
PINF is increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices—digital ticketing, reusable signage, and collaborative transport options—to reduce its carbon footprint .
Looking forward to PINF 2026 and beyond, organizers plan expanded seminar tracks on digital numismatics and blockchain authentication of collectible coins .
Conclusion
The Porto International Numismatic Fair (PINF) Porto stands as a benchmark for quality and diversity in the numismatic world. From its roots in 2017 to the vibrant 7th edition in May 2025, it has fused professional depth, international participation, and Porto’s cultural charm into a singular collector’s experience. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a budding hobbyist, PINF offers expertise, opportunity, and inspiration in equal measure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes PINF different from other numismatic fairs?
PINF’s unique venue—a museum-quality foundation in Porto—combined with its focus on both professional appraisal and beginner-friendly consulting, sets it apart from broader trade shows .
Is admission really free?
Yes. Since its first edition, PINF has maintained free entry for all visitors, reinforcing its mission to promote numismatic culture to a wide audience .
Can I bring coins for appraisal?
Absolutely. The fair offers on-site appraisal and authentication services by recognized experts; bring any items you wish to have evaluated .
Are there COVID-19 safety measures in place?
Organizers follow local health guidelines, including recommended mask zones and sanitization stations; check the official website for any updates closer to the event date .
How do I become an exhibitor?
Exhibitor registration details and forms can be found on the official PINF website under “Participation” or by contacting Paulo Oliveira at .
Is there parking or public transport access?
The Fundação Dr. António Cupertino de Miranda is accessible by Porto’s metro and bus lines; limited on-site parking is available, with nearby public garages offering paid spaces.
Will there be seminars in English?
Yes, seminars and guided tours are presented in both Portuguese and English to accommodate international attendees .
Where can I find the full list of exhibitors?
The complete 2025 exhibitor list is published as a PDF on pinf.pt under “Participant List” pinf.pt.