The Sberatel / Collector fair is the biggest fair for collectors in all fields in Central and Eastern Europe.
The 24th edition will be held in Prague at PVA Expo Letňany on 6 and 7 September. Over 230 dealers, auction houses, and postal authorities from around the globe will gather in the Czech capital for this significant event.
“Every year, our fair draws around ten thousand visitors, with more than a third coming from abroad. We expect an even bigger turnout this year, as economic uncertainties like war and inflation have sparked greater interest in collecting as a form of investment among Czechs. It’s safe to say that Czechs are becoming a nation of collectors,” said Jindřich Jirásek, the fair’s director.
Attendees will have the chance to buy and sell an array of rare items, from family heirlooms to exclusive collectibles. A popular feature of the fair is the free valuation service, where experts assess the value of stamps, coins, autographs, and other curiosities.
“Every year, someone brings in an unexpected gem,” said Jirásek. “In previous years, we’ve seen items like the valuable St. Wenceslas ducats, which were later auctioned for tens of thousands of crowns. Once, a woman surprised us all by presenting a meteorite to a mineral and gemstone expert. Valuing such rare finds can be incredibly challenging.”
Highlights of the Collector Fair
The event will feature a vast array of fascinating items. Collectors can expect to find commemorative banknotes, coins, historical securities, and autographs. Among the most anticipated pieces is the autograph of recently deceased actor Alain Delon, which is likely to be a highlight of the fair.
Another unique item on display will be the world’s longest postage stamp, issued by the Philippine Post Office in June of this year. This distinctive 125-peso stamp measures an impressive 200 millimeters, surpassing the previous record of 184 millimeters held by a Kyrgyz stamp from 2023.
Arguably the most significant exhibit at this year’s fair will be an address label from the Titanic’s mailroom, now part of a Czech collector’s private collection.
The label, stamped just four days before the ship’s ill-fated voyage, bears the name “TITANIC” and that of the postal clerk “O.S. WOODY.” This rare artifact is one of only thirty known worldwide, adding immense historical value to the fair.
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