Carmen, Expert Coins
Meet the Catawikians
Could you tell us a bit about your background?
I’ve always been deeply curious about history and all the things humankind created in the past. I grew up in a house full of books, coins, and artworks. My father has always loved numismatics, so that’s definitely where my specific passion for coins comes from. Later in life, studying Art History and Decorative Artworks helped me understand objects in their historical context of styles and periods.
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What drew you to the male-dominated world of coins?
Growing up as the middle child of three sisters, my parents, especially my dad, made sure we never saw barriers between what men and women could do. We were raised to believe in equality. My dad purposely introduced me to female role models in the field, fostering the idea that being a woman in numismatics was a completely normal thing. It wasn't until I was a teenager that I realised the truth, but by then, I was so into it — societal norms couldn’t faze me.
What led you to Catawiki, and what have your first three years at the company been like?
The pandemic had just started. It was the first day of lockdown, I was working as a freelancer, and I opened Catawiki as per usual to view the auctions, when I spotted the job opening. They were looking for an Ancient Coin Expert in Spain, and I knew right away it would be perfect for me. Thankfully I managed to convince the team, too!
I was the first woman to join the Coins and Banknotes team, and my colleagues treated me as an equal from day one. I did have some insecurities to overcome in those initial months. It took a while for me to find my voice, but that's pretty normal for anyone starting a new job. As soon as I found my footing, I felt comfortable to be myself, surrounded by wonderful colleagues and their endless numismatic knowledge.
What is your day-to-day like?
Working at Catawiki is like a dream come true. I get to share my knowledge with colleagues who are just as passionate about coins as I am. My main focus is organizing auctions – making sure bidders get the best experience possible. I invest in my relationships with dealers and numismatic experts, to learn from them and to share the advantages of Catawiki as a platform. We have a very loyal audience that’s always on the lookout for special objects. It’s my job to find hidden treasures in sellers’ collections, and connect them with like-minded buyers.
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What are you most excited about for the future?
Despite all the uncertainty in today’s world, I'm hopeful about the future. I'm looking forward to seeing more women in all sorts of roles, especially leadership positions. I truly believe in equality, and every little step we take gets us closer to a better future for everyone.
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