The Royal Australian Mint’s 2018 Rascals and Ratbags Roadshow rolled into Port Macquarie on July 19 to the delight of coin collectors.
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The national tour, which marks 150 years since the last convict ship arrived in Australia set up a pop-up shop outside the Glasshouse and caught many people enjoying the winter sun.
The public were able to stamp an “Australia” counterstamp onto their own Rascals and Ratbags $1 coin, swap coins or cash for freshly minted standard and special circulating coins as well as browse new products from the Mint, Todd Matthews said.
“We have had such a great day in Port Macquarie bringing the Rascals and Ratbags Roadshow to town,” Mr Matthews said.
“Lots of collectors have come and said hello as well as young kids curious about what is going on.
“We have bought a large array of coins for people to look at and we have been able to assist people in buying some unique and rare themed coins.”
Mr Matthews said the point of the Roadshow was so collectors who couldn’t get to Canberra could experience the Royal Mint.
“On this trip we will be visiting six towns in New South Wales and Queensland so people can experience the joy of the Royal Australian Mint without having to go all the way to Canberra,” he said.
“I think people have really enjoyed the fact we are coming out on the road for a visit and we have had generations of people come along and have a chat about coins.”
Coin lover Anthony Sing said he came for a look and it has ignited a passion to start collecting coins.
“I heard the Royal Mint was going to be in town and thought I would come down for a visit and it has actually been really fun,” Mr Sing said.
“I was able to stamp my own coin and I am certainly walking away with a passion to start collecting rare coins in the future.”