Event sales manager Todd Matthews said the Rascals and Ratbags roadshow highlighted Australia’s convict past. 

He said the tour marks 150 years since the last convict boat arrived on the country’s shores, and residents could celebrate with a specially minted uncirculated coin. 

Mr Matthews said the coin was counterstamped with a map of Australia live in Junction Square and depicted a tree with a canopy in the shape of Australia featuring convict symbols of chains and a Broad Arrow. 

He said as well as the roadshow-only coin, keen collectors could swap coins for rare circulating coins.

“We had a line of more than 25 people in the morning,” Mr Matthews said.

“A lot of people collect circulating coins and especially want 2018 untouched coins.

“We’ve had people from Wagga, even as far as Blacktown in Sydney.”

Mr Matthews said the event attracts not only dedicated collectors but teaches children about the Mint, money and the country’s convict past.

Barry Gordon traveled all the way from Griffith to attend the Wodonga Roadshow and obtain the special coins minted to celebrate the 2018 Invictus games. 

Mr Gordon said he had been a keen collector since decimal currency was introduced, describing it as an ‘addictive habit’ that ‘gets you’.

Mr Matthews said the roadshow would likely attract more than 200 people, mostly collectors, and run from 9am to 4pm.

He said there was also plenty of rare coins on display, including a curved coin worth more than $2000. 

Mr Matthews said it was great for the Mint to get out into regional areas to educate children and allow collectors to swap and trade.