Official Invitation: How the Visit Came AboutThe visit followed a formal invitation from CGCI Chairman Jiao Jinpu to the COTY Committee during the American Numismatic Association (ANA) World’s Fair of Money in August 2025. Later, CGCI General Manager Jing Jun added Shenzhen to the schedule. This allowed the delegation to explore the center of China’s modern minting sector, making their visit more thorough and meaningful.
The Coordinators' Impressions of ChinaFor the two new coordinators, the trip carried different but equally strong meanings. Jeff Starck, who had attended the Beijing International Coin Expos in 2017 and 2019 as Senior Editor of Coin World, returned in a new role-bringing a fresh outlook. For Sophia Mattimiro, it was her first time in China, full of new and memorable experiences.
Delving into the Minting Hub: Impressed by China's Scale and CreativityThe first stop was Shenzhen Guobao Mint. As a key base for China’s modern coin production, it left a strong impression on the two well-traveled coordinators. Even after visiting top mints like The Royal Mint (UK) and the Royal Canadian Mint, they were struck by Guobao’s large scale and its efficient integration of design, engraving, and production.
What surprised them even more was seeing dozens of samples for the 2025 Chinese Dragon Silver Coin. Jeff and Sophia said they had never seen so many samples made for a single coin program elsewhere-a clear sign of China’s attention to design detail and artistic exploration.
A Visit to the CGCI Exhibition Hall: Seeing History and Honors
In Beijing on October 29, the delegation toured the CGCI Exhibition Hall. There, they learned about the history of Chinese coinage and visited a special section dedicated to the COTY Awards. Displayed there were this year’s winner-the Austrian Supernova Coin—along with China’s past award-winning coins. This special display shows the influence of the COTY Awards in China and highlights the international recognition Chinese coins have gained.
Diverse Interactions: From Online Talks to Award Events
On the evening of October 30, Michael Chou, President of Champion Auction, joined the two coordinators for a broadcast on Kuaishou. They shared their experiences from Shenzhen and Beijing and interacted with Chinese collectors.
The next day, October 31, the Beijing International Coin Exhibition (BICE) opened, with Sophia Mattimiro joining other guests to kick off the event.
Later, at the Champion Auction booth, the two coordinators were interviewed and participated in a broadcast with China Collections magazine, helping more people learn about the COTY Awards.
The visit also included cultural experiences. They joined Michael Chou at Lao She Teahouse for a dinner hosted by CGCI for international guests, enjoying a genuine Beijing atmosphere.
On November 1, Jeff Starck took part in the awards ceremony for “The Most Popular Precious Metal Commemorative Coin of 2024.” He presented the “Most Popular 2024 Chinese Gold
Coin” award, handing the trophy and certificate to the project team. This helped strengthen the emotional connection between international awards and the Chinese market and collectors.
Looking Forward: More Exchange Ahead
Though the visit has ended, the conversation continues. Sophia Mattimiro has written a reflective article about her time in Beijing.
The trip by Jeff Starck and Sophia Mattimiro was not only a successful professional visit but also a meaningful cultural exchange—laying a good foundation for closer cooperation between Chinese and global numismatic communities in the future.
