Coin and Collectables Fair promises to be a cracker

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.

Coin enthusiasts will be able to get their hands on some rare Bluey commemorative coins at a coin and collectables fair in Bendigo on Saturday.

The Bendigo Coin and Collectables Club will host the fair at the Bendigo Showgrounds exhibition building from 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.

“There might be some Bluey coins there, but you’ll have to get in quick,” Mr Brownlie said.

“They were released by the mint in very small quantities and they’re very hard to get.”

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.

“We’re expecting a big crowd at the fair.”

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.

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

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.

“There’s always a strong interest in footy cards and pre-decimal coins,” he said.

“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.