Coin collectors and colonial historians are being invited to a join a demonstration by the Royal Australian Mint at the Sturt Mall on June 19.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Canberra’s mobile minting team’s Rascals and Ratbags Roadshow marks 150 years of convict history, paying tribute to John O’Reilly, Mary Ward, William Henshall, and John Kelly, the infamous father of Ned Kelly.
“We chose the characters based on how their stories captured the essence of those who were transferred to Australia,” said CEO of the Mint, Ross MacDiarmid.
“Some of their stories are hard, but others really turned their lives around. Whether they’re particularly positive or not, they are all great stories.”
The pop-up stall will also feature a variety of collectible coins recognising other significant aspects of Australia’s history.
But Mr MacDiarmid envisions the mobile presser will be the most popular part of the stall.
“The portable press works the same way as the normal press,” he said.
“It’s electronic so you press the button, the coin is pressed while you watch, and then it comes out so you can say you pressed the coin yourself.”
