Now and then: It's the same old store

Joseph Poh, 54

United Numismatic Centre (#B1-118 Lucky Plaza, 304 Orchard Road; Tel: 6733 7765)

Opened: 1987

Can you describe your shop?

My shop is a place where people come to ‘dig for gold’ – collectors can find their heart’s desire here, be it a common coin or a rare banknote. We believe in helping collectors complete their collections, no matter how rare or difficult it is to find an item.

What’s your favourite item?

It would be the Qing dynasty 5 tael coin, minted in 1871. This was part of a very rare collection owned by King Farrouk of Egypt. It first surfaced in the market at a government auction in Egypt in 1954. I am proud to have acquired this coin in 2004. I’ve valued it at $1.5 million and am storing it safely until I find a buyer.

Tony Lim, 60

New China Opticians (#B1-12A, Peninsula Shopping Centre, 3 Coleman Street; Tel: 6337 8441)

Opened: 1976

Can you describe your shop?

We make everyone feel at home and provide a lifetime’s service – customers pay less and get the best. We stock vintage sunglasses and frames [from the 1920s] alongside labels such as Ray-Ban, Giordano, Police and Fendi.

What’s your favourite item?

My favourite pair of sunglasses is this model by Ferrari because of its sporty design. If memory serves, this pair was made in the late ’80s or early ’90s.

Mohammed Faruk, 60

Dinky Di Store (#01-37, Golden Landmark Shopping Complex, Ophir Road; Tel: 9068 1554)

Opened: 1960

Can you describe your shop?

A place to find old treasures brought in by visiting sailors, or pieces I picked up myself. These include Russian watches from circa 1900, Balinese woodcarvings and a diving bell.

What’s your favourite item?

I’m a businessman; everything I gather I sell. I pick my items according to customers’ tastes.