Treasures to collect at coin fair

CHRISTMAS will come early for coin enthusiasts when the Bendigo Coin and Collectables Club hosts its annual fair at the showgrounds on Saturday 3 August.

Nearly 50 traders will set up more than 100 tables in the foyer area of the exhibition building, with the doors to open at 9.30am.

Club treasurer and fair co-ordinator Paul Brownlie said there may be some sought-after Bluey commemorative coins available which were released by the Royal Australian Mint in limited quantities in June to celebrate the cartoon character.

These coins provoked a buying frenzy and are now considered very difficult to obtain.

Mr Brownlie said the popularity of the Bluey coins, and also commemorative coins released for NAIDOC Week, had created a resurgence in coin collecting around the country.

“Coin collecting at the moment is huge because of the coloured coins,” he said.

Dollarbucks $1 coins were sold in three-coin collections and are now attracting big prices on eBay.

Mr Brownlie said the fair, now in its second year at the showgrounds exhibition building site, is always popular.

The club is expecting at least 1000 people to browse the tables, with local, Melbourne and interstate traders booked.

Aside from coins, other collectable items will also be for sale.

Mr Brownlie said interest in collectables remained strong, with people constantly seeking out items such as AFL and NRL footy cards and pre-decimal currency.

Some uncirculated $2 coins often go for considerable sums while commemorative $2 poppy coins in honour of Remembrance Day – released by the mint in 2012 – remain a favourite.

Entry to the fair will be by gold coin donation and most tables will be cash-only.