MARKING 150 years since the last convict ship arrived in Australia, The Royal Australian Mint’s Rascals and Ratbags Roadshow landed in Mount Gambier Tuesday.
A pop-up shop in the Cave Gardens was stocked with a range of freshly minted standard and special circulating coins.
Mint ambassador Todd Matthews said the roadshow had attracted coin collectors and enthusiasts, as well as intrigued passers-by.
“We were in Adelaide on Saturday and we head to Bendigo on Thursday and that’s our last stop,” he told The Border Watch.
“The crowds have been steady at each location and we have had a few kids coming down today.
“The counterstamper is exclusive to the roadshow and allows people to stamp their own Rascals and Ratbags $1 coin – that seems to be the main draw card.
“We swap $10 for $10 worth of brand new $2 coins – that attracts a few people too as it is ideal for collectors.”
The Rascals and Ratbags 2018 $1 counterstamp uncirculated coin features a depiction of a tree with a canopy representing Australia.
The convict symbols of the broad arrow and chains are at its roots.
Avid coin collector Matthew Keen said the pop-up shop presented the perfect opportunity to add to his collection.
“I have heaps of coins and I’m trying to get more,” he said.
“We looked at the most expensive one which was worth $2795 – it was normal on one side, but was dome shaped.
“I stamped my own coin and bought heaps of coins that are brand new.”
