NEW fair for collectors of stamps, callcards, coins and postcards makes its debut today and tomorrow at the Riverside Exhibition Centre on Sir John Rogerson's Quay in Dublin. Dealers and collectors from across the Republic are expected to attend the event, at which the organisers estimate £1 million worth of material will be on show.

A feature of the fair will, be the issue by An Post of a replica silver coin to commemorate 1,000 years of Irish coinage. A cover featuring the coin and the stamp which celebrates the anniversary will be on sale at the show, as well as a special limited edition souvenir of the marine mammals miniature sheet overprinted just for the weekend fair.

The occasion is being jointly sponsored by the Irish Philatelic Traders Association and An Post; the latter's Voyager Club for junior collectors will be a major presence over the two days. The fair opens at 11 a.m. today and tomorrow.