Berlin’s NUMISMATA is back!
Elena and Manfred Zellner have been the official organisers of Numismata since December 2024. For years, the pair had been part of the team led by Angela and Manfred Modes. So they knew what they were getting themselves into when, as EMZ Messeveranstaltungs-UG, they took over the organisation of this long-established fair. That’s why their first event, Numismata in March 2025, went off without any major surprises. They had introduced a number of innovations for 2026. For the first time, visitors were able to buy admission tickets not only on site but also online. In addition, registration processes were digitised and streamlined. The personal service, however, remained unchanged.
Focus on the experienced collector
Numismata is a bourse without any frills. The focus here is not on the general public, but on the experienced collector. No lectures, no supporting program, but a large quantity of dealers. These dealers, in turn, remain loyal to Numismata because they value its efficient organisation and the many affluent collectors interested in classical numismatics. Those interested exclusively in new issues will also find what they’re looking for here, though they may miss the many mints that are present at other events.
A traditional fair
In 1982, Erich Modes took over Numismata, which had been attracting collectors and dealers to Munich since 1970. He gave the fair its current format. With no distractions, Numismata focuses quite heavily on the coin trade. The fair soon gained a worldwide reputation as one of the most interesting venues for meeting dealers from across Europe and selling stock not only to dealers but also directly to end customers.
Following the great success of the event in Munich, Erich Modes founded another Numismata in Berlin in 1999. Although it never matched the significance of the Munich Numismata, it established itself as an important autumn event. In 2004, Erich Modes attempted to extend the successful concept to Frankfurt and Berlin. It became apparent, however, that not every city is suited to hosting a Numismata. Neither the Frankfurt nor the Vienna events were able to match the success of the flagship Munich event.
The Berlin Numismata is back
Internal changes and Covid marked a turning point, which, for the provisional period, only the Munich event survived. But time and again, after taking over the organisation, Elena and Manfred Zellner were asked whether and when there would be another Berlin Numismata. Now it’s official. It will take place on 14 and 15 November 2026. It will be held in Hall 11.2 at Messe Berlin. Tickets are already on sale. Dealers can also find out more and complete registration online.
The Berlin Numismata takes place a week before the highly successful Sberatel in Prague. Prague is around 370 kilometres from Berlin, so the two events are unlikely to draw visitors away from one another. For dealers travelling from overseas, however, it might be worth considering staying for the whole week to attend both events.
We are keen to see how successful the Munich Numismata will be! Will Berlin establish itself as a second annual event?
Text and images: Ursula Kampmann
