Coin collectors were in their element at the Quadrant Mall on Wednesday as the Royal Australian Mint brought their Rascals and Ratbags Roadshow to Launceston.
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Designed to acknowledge the contribution of Australia’s convicts, the pop-up shop had a mobile coin press where people could put a counterstamp on a unique $1 coin.
The packaging for the coin featured the illustration and story of convict, John Boyle O’Reilly, who became a well-loved journalist, editor and writer.
The Tasmanian leg of the national tour has also included Port Arthur, Hobart and Devonport.
Royal Australian Mint team member Ross Williamson said the tour was not just for coin enthusiasts.
“We really enjoy being out here and engaging with the whole community," he said.
“It’s about making sure people know where our coins come from.
“Convicts have made a solid contribution to our heritage and a lot of the qualities they had have been passed down through the ages.”
The tour includes mix of circulated and uncirculated coins, many of which are available through a coin swap. On Wednesday, members of the public could exchange their change for freshly minted standard and also browse through new items from the mint.
The Tasmanian leg of the tour will wrap up on Thursday.