Why visit MIF?
Why go to the MIF? That’s probably what many of you are wondering. After all, Maastricht isn’t exactly easy to get to. I’ve looked into this question – or rather, driven there to find out. The journey from Austria is certainly no picnic, and I found myself wishing several times that the Maastricht International Money Fair 2026 (MIF for short) would please take place next time during the winter months, when I could fly from Innsbruck without any hassle. But never mind, the 12-hour journey via Munich and Frankfurt to Maastricht actually heightened my anticipation, and the blue sky lifted my spirits even further.
The pre-show advertised online demonstrated once again that the reader has the upper hand. I hadn’t read the details properly and assumed that MIF was opening a few days early for trade visitors. In reality, however, it was mainly dealers from South America and Asia who were presenting their wares in a smaller hall. Although I know nothing about paper money and its rarities, a glance at the various selling prices made it clear that the pre-show was by no means attended by dealers who were shying away from the costs of the main show. They were simply taking the opportunity, after their long journey (e.g. from Argentina or Indonesia), to showcase their wares over a longer period. Upon enquiry, I learnt that the opening of the main hall the following day (Friday), which I had been expecting, was intended for trade visitors.
Friday turned out to be very revealing. After all, the main reason for my trip was to find out whether and how exhibitors and visitors would react to the planned inclusion of coins, medals and the like from 2027 onwards. The people I spoke to were as diverse as the answers they gave (women have not yet really made their mark in the world of paper money on the dealers’ side). Apart from the odd negative comment – “…if coins are included, we won’t be there anymore” – there were plenty of positive, even euphoric, reactions such as “…at last, I’ve been waiting for this for ages.” The majority of participants are looking forward to a separate coin section in the hope that it might attract more visitors, which should boost sales of their own merchandise. My interviewees struck a similar note at the get-together the evening before. On this occasion, Pamela West – known for her extensive publications on English banknotes – was awarded the International Banknote Society Prize.
All in all, I can say that it was a couple of enlightening days, filled with great conversations, lots of new faces and stories, and glorious weather – an experience I wouldn’t have missed for the world. I’m already looking forward to seeing everyone again and am keen to see what the MIF will be like with coins and so on.
Finally, a word of praise: the organisers of MIF 2026 – led by Dimitri Waltmans and his daughters – have put on an outstanding, personal event that other trade fair organisers would do well to emulate.
Text and images: Andrea Pancheri
