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Sběratel.info

News Bulletin No. 39

The Slovak euro in Prague

All nominal values of the Slovak euro coins (see pictures of the reverse side), which will become valid on 1st January 2009, will be exhibited for the first time at the stand by the Mint Kremnica at this year's Collector trade fair in Prague (12/9 - 14/9).

At the end of this July and start of this August, the Mint Kremnica will start minting all the denominations. The plant must produce about 500 million coins by the end of the year. The whole plant had to be reconstructed because of this production and the euros and euro cents will be minted in a new hall, the gallery of which will also be open to visitors. So-called starting packages will be on sale from December in post offices all over Slovakia.

Czech mint to introduce a medal for the PRAGA exhibition

The Czech mint will be introducing a medal for the PRAGA 2008 World Stamp Exhibition, designed by the artist Karel Zeman who is currently working on the design. Two hundred of these medals with numbering in an ounce of gold will be issued as well as an edition of 500 silver medals with a diameter of 34mm and weighing 16kg.

This year, for the first time ever, visitors to the Czech mint stand will be offered the 2008 currency set in the "proof." design containing the 50 Heller coin for the last time. Enclosed with this set, the buyers will receive a silver medal commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Czech mint and the Czech currency.

Two highlights of the PRAGA 2008 World Exhibition

The PRAGA 2008 World Stamp Exhibition, which takes place together with the 11th year of the Collector international trade fair, offers two highlights, which were mentioned by the president of the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP), Jos Wolff during his visit to Prague. Historically, this will be the shortest world exhibition under the sponsorship of the FIP (only 3 days) and for the first time, it will be combined with a commercial trade fair for collectors, which is devoted not only to stamp collecting but also other areas of collecting. However, these two unique matters place great demands on the organisers - be they the team of workers from Progres Partners Advertising, members of the Union of Czech Philatelists or the workers at Czech Post.

Postmark of the Swiss Post

This year Swiss Post has also prepared a commemorative postmark for the Collector International Trade Fair. This time it is dedicated to cereals and is accompanied by the words: Cereals - wheat, barley, rye, oat and Swiss Post is a guest in Prague 12. - 14. 9. 2008.

Chinese telephone cards for the Collector trade fair

Probably the biggest collector of telephone cards in China, Mr Xu Wei, takes part in the international trade fair in Prague every year. In December 2007, the Chinese telecommunications company Tietong issued two puzzles with a total of four cards in a limited edition of 100 items on the occasion of this year's Collector. Mr. Xu Wei will be showing them off at his stand.

An exhibition of medals depicting presidents

Traditionally, the Czech Numismatic Society has a stand at the trade fair, where its members provide advice to beginners in the field and also provide visitors with a free expert opinion. In addition to this, the society has prepared an exhibition of medals with portraits of the Czechoslovak and Czech presidents this year. The medals will include the period from foundation of the independent Czechoslovakia in 1918 right through to 1992 and also from the proclamation of the independent Czech Republic in 1993 up to the present.

New dealers in numismatics

Apart from the many exhibitors in the field of numismatics, we will be welcoming a range of newcomers to this year's trade fair. For the very first time, the famous Italian firm Frontini Paolo Srl from Milan will be taking part in the Czech trade fair. The company is well known at European trade fairs for its euro coins from the Vatican, Monaco and San Marino. Dealers from Slovenia - Mr. Alojz Toplak and Mr. Igor Lesar - as well as dealers from Germany such as Münzhandlung Wisniowski will be making their first appearance here together with many others.

The number of exhibitors is constantly on the increase

Take a look at the list of exhibitors who will be selling their collector's artefacts at this fair. The greatest number of them come of course from the field of philately, followed by numismatics and historical postcards. But even those, who collect telephone cards, minerals and other unconventional objects, will find something to suit them here. Especially women, for whom admission to the trade fair and World Stamp Exhibition is free of charge, will appreciate the great offer of jewellery made from natural materials.

Czech Post for children

It has been a tradition during exhibitions PRAGA and fairs Collector that the Czech Post and the Union of Czech Philatelists organize events for children. Children will find a virtual paradise in the central hall of the Industrial Palace, close to expositions of the Czech Post and other postal services. They can play not only sending letters, but also postal employees. They could stamp kid's stamps, rubber stamp them, use a historical wicket to post letters and most importantly, have fun. This nice postcard has been issued for the use by the children's post.