Our Story

The History of Singapore's Premier Collectors Club

The Singapore Collectors Club, known locally as RiaccAbbra, was founded in 1995 by a small group of passionate collectors who met regularly at a kopitiam in Toa Payoh to trade stamps and share stories about their collections.

What started as informal gatherings quickly grew into a structured organization as more collectors from across Singapore joined the community. By 1998, we had established our first permanent headquarters in the Central Business District.

Over the decades, our club has evolved to embrace all types of collecting, from traditional philately and numismatics to more contemporary interests like vintage Singapore memorabilia and Peranakan artifacts.

Today, RiaccAbbra proudly stands as Singapore's largest and most respected collectors' community, with over 2,000 members representing all ages, backgrounds, and collecting interests.

Our Mission & Values

Guiding Principles of Our Community

Our Mission

To preserve Singapore's cultural heritage through collecting, to educate the public about the historical and artistic significance of collectibles, and to foster a vibrant community of passionate collectors who share knowledge and experiences.

Integrity

We promote ethical collecting practices, proper documentation, and honest transactions among all members.

Education

We believe in continuous learning and sharing knowledge to enhance our understanding of collections.

Community

We foster an inclusive environment where collectors of all backgrounds and interests can connect.

Preservation

We are committed to preserving Singapore's heritage through responsible collecting and conservation.

Meet Our Team

The Passionate People Behind RiaccAbbra

David Tan

David Tan

Club President

A lifelong philatelist with over 30 years of experience, David has one of Singapore's most comprehensive collections of Straits Settlements stamps.

Sarah Wong

Sarah Wong

Vice President & Numismatics Expert

With a background in banking and a passion for Asian currencies, Sarah leads our coin collection authentication workshops.

Raj Mehta

Raj Mehta

Events Coordinator

Raj specializes in vintage Singapore memorabilia and has organized some of our most successful exhibitions and trading events.

Mei Ling Loh

Mei Ling Loh

Education Director

A former curator at the National Museum, Mei Ling brings her expertise in Peranakan artifacts and historical documentation to our educational programs.

Join RiaccAbbra

Membership Information & Benefits

Standard Membership

S$ 120 /year
  • Monthly club meetings
  • Quarterly newsletter
  • Member's directory access
  • Basic authentication services
  • Trading session participation
Apply Now

Student Membership

S$ 60 /year
  • Monthly club meetings
  • Quarterly newsletter
  • Mentorship program
  • Basic authentication services
  • Student-focused workshops
Apply Now

Membership applications are reviewed by our committee and processed within 7 working days. For corporate memberships or special arrangements, please contact us directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Queries About RiaccAbbra

What types of collectibles does the club focus on?

While we started primarily as a stamps and coins collectors club, RiaccAbbra now embraces all forms of collecting. Our members collect stamps, coins, banknotes, antiques, vintage memorabilia, postcards, rare books, Peranakan artifacts, Singapore-themed collectibles, and much more. We welcome collectors of all interests!

How often does the club meet?

We hold regular monthly meetings on the first Saturday of each month at our headquarters. Additionally, we organize special events, workshops, exhibitions, and trading sessions throughout the year. The full calendar is available to members through our newsletter and members' area.

I'm new to collecting. Is RiaccAbbra suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! We welcome collectors of all experience levels. For beginners, we offer mentorship programs, introductory workshops, and beginner-friendly resources. Many of our most active members joined as complete novices and have developed impressive collections with the guidance of our community.

Does RiaccAbbra offer authentication or appraisal services?

Yes, we offer basic authentication services to all members and advanced authentication services to Premium members. We also host quarterly appraisal days where members can bring their items for expert evaluation. For formal appraisals needed for insurance or legal purposes, we can refer you to certified professionals in our network.

Can I sell my collection through the club?

While RiaccAbbra is not a commercial entity, we do facilitate trading between members during our trading sessions. We also maintain a members' marketplace bulletin where you can list items for sale to other members. For major collections, we can sometimes arrange private viewing sessions with interested collectors.

Is there an age requirement to join RiaccAbbra?

There is no age requirement to join as a member. We offer Student Memberships for young collectors under 25 years of age (with valid student ID). For members under 18, we require parental consent and encourage parent/guardian participation in club activities.

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