Stamp and Coin Fair locked in for October return

A VAST array of coin and stamp collections will fill Geelong West Town Hall next month at an annual fair with hundreds of Geelong residents expected to attend.

The Geelong Philatelic and Numismatic Societies will host the Geelong Stamp and Coin Fair again on October 14, the societies’ biggest event of the year dating back to 2008.

Geelong Philatelic Society president Ian Grant said the fair provides an opportunity for stamp and coin collectors to share their interests and access dealers face-to-face.

“It’s also a wonderful chance for the community to come out and browse the deep history of stamps and coins that Australia has used and sold in its history,” Mr Grant said.

“We often see community members visit the Fair who have attended it since the early years.”

The Geelong Stamp and Coin Fair each year is held during the City of Greater Geelong’s Seniors Festival on the second Saturday in October.

There will be 24 stamp and coin dealers at the event occupying 62 tables.

Club members from the Geelong Philatelic Society and Geelong Numismatic Society will also have tables at the fair for informational purposes.

The Fair’s first year achieved an attendance of 120 people in 2008 and has gradually increased in size since.

In 2018 and 2019 over 700 people attended the Fair before lockdowns shut down the event in 2020 and 2021. The Fair rebounded in 2022 with over 600 people attending.

Geelong Philatelic Society secretary Julie Turner said people who have previously collected stamps and coins are now showing a renewed interest in the hobby.

“Having access to many dealers is important where there is limited access to dealers through the internet,” Ms Turner said.

“Fairs like this can be imperative for people who wish to get advice on their collections or for disposal purposes.

“We also provide a relaxed atmosphere where people can sit down and share a free cup of tea or coffee and talk about their hobby.”

The Fair will run from 9am until 3pm.

For additional information about the fair, contact Ms Turner via 0438 270 549 or at [email protected]