An Insider’s Guide to the Tilburg International Coin Fair 2025

Discover everything you need to know about the Tilburg International Coin Fair: dates, location, admission, exhibitors, rare finds, travel tips, and more for Sunday, May 18, 2025.

• Introduction: Why the Tilburg International Coin Fair Matters
• The Origins and Evolution of the Fair
• What to Expect: Format, Layout, and Atmosphere
• Exhibitors, Dealers, and Table Arrangements
• The Coins, Banknotes, and Precious Metals on Offer
• Rare and Highlighted Finds: Showstoppers of 2025
• Educational Sessions, Workshops, and Auctions
• Networking, Community, and Special Events
• Planning Your Visit: Travel, Accommodation, and Logistics
• Admission Fees, Parking, and On-Site Amenities
• Expert Tips for First-Time and Veteran Collectors
• Sustainability and Community Contributions
• Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Fair Experience
• FAQ

Introduction: Why the Tilburg International Coin Fair Matters

The Tilburg International Coin Fair—locally known as the Internationale Muntenbeurs Tilburg—is the largest and most eagerly anticipated numismatic gathering in the southern Netherlands, drawing collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond. Held five times annually, it offers over 200 meters of dealer tables showcasing coins, banknotes, and precious metals spanning centuries of monetary history. On Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Hotel De Druiventros in Tilburg will once again transform into a bustling marketplace and meeting point for the global coin-collecting community.

Beyond buying and selling, the fair serves as a vital educational hub, fostering connections among numismatists and providing unparalleled access to rare and exotic specimens. Whether you’re hunting for a long-sought Morgan dollar, exploring medieval European coinage, or simply seeking expert advice, the Tilburg International Coin Fair offers something for every level of collector.

The Origins and Evolution of the Fair

The Tilburg International Coin Fair traces its roots to the early 1980s, when a small group of Dutch dealers organized monthly gatherings in Tilburg’s local community centers. Over the decades, the fair expanded in both size and scope, eventually relocating to Hotel De Druiventros to accommodate growing attendance and dealer participation. What began as a regional event has blossomed into a premier European fair, attracting approximately 60 dealers from the Netherlands and abroad at each show.

By 2025, the fair’s legacy includes not only its commercial success but also its philanthropic contributions. Notably, proceeds and donations collected during the fairs have supported humanitarian relief efforts, such as the €420 raised for Ukrainian aid recipients in 2022. This blend of commerce and community underpins the fair’s ethos, making it a cornerstone event in the numismatic calendar.

What to Expect: Format, Layout, and Atmosphere

On fair day, the Hotel De Druiventros ballroom and adjacent meeting rooms are transformed into a grid of tables—over 200 meters’ worth—where dealers display coins, banknotes, medals, and bullion. Tables are arranged thematically, with ancient coin specialists clustered together, Euro-era dealers in another section, and precious metal vendors near the entrance for easy access. A central aisle allows visitors to navigate efficiently, while side corridors host information booths, security services, and refreshment areas.

The atmosphere is convivial yet professional. Collectors peruse displays with magnifying lenses and reference books in hand, while dealers are ready to negotiate and authenticate specimens. Coffee stations and a full-service restaurant create pockets of relaxation, ensuring that visitors can recharge between browsing sessions. Private uniformed security patrols the venue to safeguard high-value transactions and ensure a peaceful environment for all attendees.

Exhibitors, Dealers, and Table Arrangements

Approximately 60 Dutch and international dealers participate in each edition, offering an extensive range of numismatic material. Dealers reserve tables well in advance—often securing their spots a year ahead—and bring specialized inventories tailored to collectors’ diverse interests. From Roman denarii and medieval gros tournois to modern commemorative coins and banknotes from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, exhibitors cater to both niche and broad-appeal collecting markets.

In addition to independent dealers, official mint representatives occasionally attend to showcase new issues and limited-edition releases. Bulk bullion sellers, coin-grading service providers, and auction houses also maintain a presence, providing valuation services, on-site grading, and catalog listings for future auctions.

The Coins, Banknotes, and Precious Metals on Offer

Visitors can expect an encyclopedic selection of numismatic items:

1. Ancient Coinage: Greek city-state issues, Roman Republic and Imperial coinage, Byzantine follis specimens. Ancient coinage is one of the most fascinating and foundational aspects of numismatics. These coins are not merely pieces of metal; they are miniature records of civilizations, rulers, religions, and trade networks that shaped the ancient world. From the first stamped coins of Lydia in the 7th century BCE to the complex imperial issues of Rome and Byzantium, ancient coins offer an invaluable glimpse into our shared human heritage.
   
   Origins of Ancient Coinage
   The earliest known coins were minted in the region of Lydia, located in modern-day Turkey, around 600 BCE. These coins were made from electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver, and typically featured simple designs—such as a lion’s head—to indicate royal authority. This innovation was revolutionary because it standardized value and facilitated trade in a way that barter systems and weighed metal could not.
   Shortly afterward, coinage spread to Greece, Persia, and India, each developing unique styles and metallurgical techniques.
   
   Ancient Greek Coins
   Greek city-states (or poleis) issued their own coins, often reflecting local identity and religious beliefs. These coins were typically made from silver and struck using engraved dies.
   Athens famously produced silver tetradrachms featuring the goddess Athena and her sacred owl.
   Corinth issued coins with the winged horse Pegasus, symbolizing mythology and civic pride.
   Alexander the Great’s conquests led to a uniform coinage system across his empire, facilitating trade from Greece to India.
   Greek coins were celebrated for their artistic beauty, and many are considered masterpieces of miniature sculpture.
   
   Roman Coinage
   Roman coins emerged in the 4th century BCE, initially as cast bronze pieces called aes grave. As the Republic grew into the Empire, Rome’s coinage became more complex and widely circulated.
   Denarius: A key silver coin used for centuries, featuring the profile of emperors and deities.
   Aureus: A gold coin of high value used in the Roman Empire, often featuring intricate portraits of rulers like Augustus, Nero, and Trajan.
   Sestertius: A large bronze coin commonly used for propaganda, with detailed scenes of military victories and public works.
   Roman coins not only served economic purposes but were also tools of imperial messaging—spreading images of the emperor, military victories, and religious devotion across the empire.
   
   Byzantine Coinage
   The Byzantine Empire, the eastern continuation of the Roman Empire, preserved coinage traditions while introducing Christian iconography.
   The most iconic Byzantine coin is the solidus, a stable gold coin that lasted nearly a thousand years.
   Byzantine coins featured Christ, the Virgin Mary, and Christian symbols, reflecting the empire’s religious focus.
   They were minted in Constantinople and other key cities and remained widely respected in medieval European and Islamic markets.
   
   Indian Ancient Coins
   India boasts one of the richest and oldest traditions of coinage, beginning as early as the 6th century BCE with punch-marked coins.
   These early coins were small silver pieces with symbols punched into them, representing kingdoms like Magadha and Kosala.
   The Indo-Greek Kingdoms (2nd century BCE) issued bilingual coins with Greek and Kharosthi scripts, often showing rulers like Menander I and Indian deities.
   The Gupta Empire (4th–6th century CE) produced highly artistic gold coins featuring deities and royal scenes, regarded as the golden age of Indian numismatics.
   
   Persian and Islamic Influences
   The Achaemenid Empire (6th–4th century BCE) in Persia issued gold darics and silver sigloi, often with depictions of the king as a warrior.
   After Alexander’s conquest, Persian territories adopted Hellenistic styles.
   Early Islamic coinage evolved from these influences, initially imitating Byzantine and Sasanian coins before adopting purely epigraphic designs based on Islamic tenets.
   
   Materials Used in Ancient Coins
   Ancient coins were typically made from:
   Gold: Reserved for high-value transactions and imperial propaganda.
   Silver: The most common material, valued for its durability and intrinsic worth.
   Bronze/Copper: Used for everyday transactions; less valuable but widely circulated.
   The quality and quantity of metal in ancient coins often reflected the economic stability and wealth of a kingdom or empire.
   
   Collecting Ancient Coins
   Ancient coins are among the most collectible in numismatics because of:
   Historical significance: Every coin tells a story—about wars, emperors, cities, and ideologies.
   Aesthetic value: Many feature stunning art and inscriptions.
   Investment potential: Rarity, condition, and provenance can greatly influence value.
   Scholarly interest: Collecting ancient coins often leads to historical and archaeological exploration.
   Collectors use references like the Sear Catalogues, Crawford’s Roman Republican Coinage, and BMC Greek for identification and attribution.

2) Medieval and Renaissance: Silver pennies of Henry II, Venetian ducats, Holy Roman Empire thalers.Medieval and Renaissance coinage offers a captivating look into the monetary, political, and cultural transformations that swept across Europe and parts of Asia between the 5th and 17th centuries. These coins reflect a period of great change—from the fall of the Roman Empire to the rise of powerful monarchies and the dawn of modern banking systems.

From crude early medieval silver pennies to exquisitely minted gold florins of the Italian Renaissance, each coin tells a story of faith, conquest, trade, and innovation. In the numismatic world, these coins are highly valued not only for their rarity and artistry but also for their role in shaping the financial and political foundations of the modern world.

Early Medieval Coinage: The Age of Transition

After the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century CE, coin production and monetary systems fell into disarray in much of Europe. In the Early Medieval period (c. 500–1000 CE), coinage was often localized and crudely struck, reflecting the fragmented nature of feudal societies.

• Merovingian France issued small gold coins called tremisses and later silver deniers, often bearing simple crosses or busts.
• In Anglo-Saxon England, silver sceattas were produced, followed by pennies under rulers like Offa of Mercia, some even imitating Islamic dinars.
• The Carolingian Empire under Charlemagne standardized coinage across vast territories, establishing the silver denier as the dominant currency.

These early coins were often religious in tone, with Christian symbols like crosses, saints, and church references, as Christianity increasingly influenced kingship and legitimacy.

High Medieval Coinage (c. 1000–1300 CE)

The High Middle Ages witnessed a revival of commerce, urban growth, and the Crusades—all of which required more structured and expansive monetary systems. Coinage became more centralized and varied in metal and design.

• England issued high-quality silver pennies under monarchs like William the Conqueror and Henry II. By this time, the king’s portrait and inscriptions became standard.
• The Holy Roman Empire produced regional coinages under imperial and episcopal authority, such as the silver bracteates—thin coins often struck on one side only.
• The Crusades introduced Islamic and Byzantine coins into European markets, influencing design and minting techniques.

Gold coins were rare during this period, as silver was the main standard across Europe. However, this began to shift with the rise of powerful city-states and merchant economies.

The Rise of Gold Coinage in the Late Medieval Period

By the 13th and 14th centuries, gold coins returned to widespread use in Europe, reflecting growing trade networks and the accumulation of wealth.

• The Florentine florin (introduced in 1252) became one of Europe’s most trusted gold coins. It featured a lily on one side and St. John the Baptist on the other.
• The Venetian ducat, also known as the zecchino, was struck with the image of the doge (leader) kneeling before St. Mark, symbolizing both civic pride and religious devotion.
• In France, the écu d’or became the standard gold coin, often struck with images of shields and crowns, denoting royal power.

These coins became international standards in banking and trade and were used extensively by merchants across the Mediterranean and into the Levant.

Renaissance Coinage (c. 1400–1600 CE)

The Renaissance was a period of extraordinary cultural and economic growth, and the coinage of the time reflected this sophistication. Coin designs became more elaborate and artistic, and the technology behind minting advanced significantly with the introduction of mechanized minting presses.

• Italian states like Florence, Venice, Milan, and the Papal States issued beautifully detailed coins featuring religious scenes, rulers in classical poses, and Latin inscriptions.
• Spain introduced the real, and later the escudo, both of which would influence global coinage in the Spanish colonies.
• England’s Tudor dynasty issued iconic coins such as the gold sovereign under Henry VII and Henry VIII, featuring lifelike portraits and Latin mottos.

The Renaissance period also marked the beginning of portrait coinage—a major shift from symbolic to personal imagery. Monarchs wanted their image on currency to project authority and permanence.

Medieval Islamic and Eastern Coinage

While Europe was evolving its monetary systems, the Islamic world and Eastern empires were also developing complex and influential coinages.

• The Abbasid Caliphate issued purely epigraphic coins with Arabic inscriptions—emphasizing religious purity and avoiding human or animal images.
• The Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire in India issued coins in silver and gold, often with intricate calligraphy and references to Islamic teachings.
• The Chinese Song Dynasty used cash coins, circular bronze pieces with square holes, and would later pioneer paper money.

These systems interacted with European ones through trade routes like the Silk Road and maritime commerce, showing a deep interconnectedness in global coin history.

Minting Techniques and Innovation

During the Medieval and Renaissance periods, the method of minting evolved considerably:

• Hammered Coins: Early medieval and most Renaissance coins were made by placing a blank metal disc between two engraved dies and striking them with a hammer.
• Screw Press: Invented in the late 15th century and widely used by the 16th century, this method allowed for more detailed and consistent coin designs.

Mints were tightly controlled institutions, often directly overseen by the crown or powerful cities. Misuse of minting—like debasement (reducing metal content)—could lead to public distrust or economic crises.

Symbolism and Iconography

Medieval and Renaissance coinage is rich in religious, political, and symbolic imagery:

• Crosses, halos, and saints were common, reflecting the dominance of Christianity.
• Heraldic symbols like lions, eagles, shields, and crowns denoted dynastic legitimacy and military strength.
• In Islamic coinage, Quranic verses and blessings upon rulers were central.

These symbols reinforced the divine right of kings and the moral legitimacy of empires, making coins tools of both governance and propaganda.

Collecting Medieval and Renaissance Coins

Collectors today are drawn to these coins for their beauty, historical context, and rarity. Highlights include:

• Florins and ducats of Italy
• Gold sovereigns and groats of England
• Bracteates of Germany
• Islamic dirhams and dinars
• Medieval Indian coinage, like the Ghorid and Sultanate issues

Authenticating and identifying these coins requires expertise in language (Latin, Arabic, Gothic script), iconography, and mint marks.

3) Modern Commemoratives: Olympic medallions, coronation crowns, Euro commemorative coins.Modern commemorative coins are specially minted coins issued to honor significant events, people, anniversaries, cultural heritage, or national achievements. Unlike regular circulation coins, these are often produced in limited quantities and feature unique designs.

Key Features:

• Themes: Historical events, famous personalities, sports (like the Olympics), cultural landmarks, or national symbols.
• Materials: Issued in base metals, silver, or gold. Precious metal editions are typically for collectors and investors.
• Mints: Produced by government mints (e.g., U.S. Mint, Royal Mint, RBI Mint in India).
• Examples:
  • India’s 1991 Rajiv Gandhi ₹1 Coin – Honoring the former Prime Minister.
  • UK’s 2022 Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Coin
  • USA’s 2001 Capitol Visitor Center Silver Dollar

Modern commemoratives serve both collectible and investment purposes, often sold at a premium over face value. They help preserve national heritage and educate the public through artistic expression in coinage.

4) World Banknotes: Rare and circulated notes from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.World banknotes are paper (or polymer) currencies issued by countries worldwide as legal tender. They reflect a nation’s economic identity, cultural values, history, and sovereignty through artistic and symbolic designs.

Key Features:

• Design Elements: Portraits of leaders, national heroes, historical events, monuments, flora and fauna, and traditional motifs.
• Security Features: Watermarks, holograms, microprinting, color-shifting ink, and polymer substrates to prevent counterfeiting.
• Material: Traditional banknotes are printed on cotton-linen blends; many modern nations use polymer for durability and security (e.g., Australia, Canada, UK).
• Notable Examples:
  • India’s ₹2000 note (now withdrawn from circulation) featured Mangalyaan.
  • Switzerland’s 10 Franc note won international awards for design.
  • Euro banknotes used by 20 EU countries showcase architecture from different periods.

Banknotes are not just currency—they are portable works of art and historical documents, often collected by notaphilists (paper money collectors) around the world.

5) Precious Metals: Gold and silver bullion, from common 1 oz bars to antique ingots.Precious metals are rare, naturally occurring metallic elements with high economic value due to their rarity, durability, and various industrial and ornamental uses. In numismatics and investing, they are highly prized for their intrinsic value and historical role as currency.

Key Types:

• Gold (Au): Long used for coins, jewelry, and investment (e.g., gold sovereigns, bullion bars).
• Silver (Ag): Common in coinage and commemoratives (e.g., Morgan Dollars, Indian silver coins).
• Platinum (Pt) and Palladium (Pd): Used in high-end investment coins and industrial applications.

Uses:

• Coins and Bullion: Issued by mints as legal tender and investment-grade assets (e.g., American Gold Eagle, Canadian Silver Maple Leaf).
• Jewelry and Artifacts: Valued across cultures for their luster and malleability.
• Safe-Haven Assets: Often purchased during economic uncertainty as a hedge against inflation.

Precious metals remain central in both numismatics and global finance, offering a blend of tangible beauty and lasting value.

Dealers often highlight themed collections—such as Dutch Golden Age coinage—or present holdings from personal estates, giving collectors unique acquisition opportunities.

Rare and Highlighted Finds: Showstoppers of 2025

Each fair edition boasts a “showstopper” table displaying exceptional rarities. In 2025, anticipated highlights include:

• A 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter in near-Proof condition, one of fewer than 50 known examples.
• An Alexander the Great tetradrachm from the Babylon mint (c. 323 BC), featuring the famed diademed portrait.
• A 1935 Gold Wilhelmina 10-Guilder proof, struck for collectors and bearing minimal circulation marks.
• A newly discovered 1922 Peace Dollar overdate variety, authenticated by an on-site grading service.

Dealers often schedule private viewings for high-net-worth clients before public access, underscoring the fair’s role in high-level numismatic commerce.

Educational Sessions, Workshops, and Auctions

While table displays dominate, the Tilburg fair also offers auxiliary numismatic programming:

• Mini-Seminars: Short talks on coin grading, authentication techniques, and thematic collecting strategies.
• Workshops: Hands-on sessions led by experts, such as cleaning ancient bronze coins or reading mintmarks.
• Silent Auctions: Catalogue lots are displayed in a reserved area; bidders submit sealed bids throughout the day, with winners announced at closing.

These educational components enrich the collector experience, providing both practical skills and deeper historical context.

Networking, Community, and Special Events

Beyond buying and selling, the fair serves as a social nexus:

• Collector Meet-Up: Informal gatherings around 11:00 am, where attendees exchange collecting stories and showcase recent acquisitions.
• Dealers’ Roundtable: A closed session for professional dealers to discuss market trends, pricing, and regulatory changes affecting numismatics.
• Charity Table: A dedicated area where donated coins are sold at modest prices, with proceeds benefiting cultural heritage preservation.

Such events foster camaraderie and knowledge exchange, reinforcing the fair’s reputation as a community cornerstone.

Planning Your Visit: Travel, Accommodation, and Logistics

Location: Hotel De Druiventros, Bosscheweg 11, 5056 PP Tilburg, Netherlands.
How to Get There: Exit 2 off the A65 (Tilburg–’s Hertogenbosch); ample free parking behind the hotel. Tilburg Central Station is a 15-minute taxi ride away, with regular intercity and regional trains.

Accommodation: Hotel De Druiventros itself offers room blocks at discounted rates for exhibitors and visitors. Nearby options include the Mercure Hotel Tilburg and Hotel Tilburg on Spoorlaan. Early booking is strongly advised, as spring dates coincide with other regional events.

Admission Fees, Parking, and On-Site Amenities

Admission Fees (Time-Dependent):

• 08:00–09:00 am (Early Bird): € 15.00
• 09:00–10:00 am: € 5.00
• 10:00–11:00 am: € 4.00
• 11:00–12:00 pm: € 3.00
• 12:00–13:00 pm: € 2.00
• 13:00–14:30 pm: € 1.00
• 14:30–15:00 pm: Closure

Free parking is available around and behind the hotel, with private uniformed security overseeing both entrances and exits. On-site amenities include cloakrooms, ATM machines, and a restaurant serving local Brabant specialties.

Expert Tips for First-Time and Veteran Collectors

• Arrive Early: To access the broadest selection and private viewings, aim for the Early Bird slot, even if you bypass the higher admission fee .
• Bring Reference Tools: Loupe, scale, and up-to-date price catalogues help in-the-moment verification and negotiation.
• Set a Budget: With hundreds of tempting items, pre-planning your maximum spend per table prevents overspending.
• Network: Exchange contact details with dealers for follow-up inquiries, especially if you spot items of interest that require further authentication.
• Leverage Auctions: If a desired lot doesn’t appear on dealer tables, consider the silent auction catalogue for alternative acquisition routes.

Sustainability and Community Contributions

The fair organizers emphasize sustainable practices: minimal plastic usage, digital catalogues in place of paper flyers, and designated recycling stations. Proceeds from special charity tables have supported both local heritage projects and international relief efforts, exemplifying the fair’s commitment to social responsibility .

Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Fair Experience

The Tilburg International Coin Fair stands as a dynamic intersection of commerce, history, and community. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist pursuing a rare acquisition or a newcomer exploring the hobby, this event delivers unparalleled variety, expertise, and camaraderie. By planning ahead—booking accommodation, plotting a budget, and arriving early—you’ll ensure a rewarding visit that deepens your appreciation for the art and science of coin collecting.

FAQ

What are the opening hours on May 18, 2025?
The fair runs from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with Early Bird entry from 8:00 am to 9:00 am .

How much does it cost to enter?
Admission is time-dependent: € 15 (08:00–09:00), then stepping down by € 1 per hour until € 1 at 13:00–14:30 .

Is parking available?
Yes—free parking is located around and behind Hotel De Druiventros.

Can I reserve a table as a dealer?
Yes. Dealers can inquire at muntenbeurs@gmail.com or call +31-6-51800052 for information and reservations muntenbeurs-tilburg.nl.

Are refreshments available?
A full-service restaurant and coffee stations operate throughout the fair, serving local and international fare.

Is there wheelchair access?
Hotel De Druiventros has ground-level entrances and elevator access to all fair halls.