Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Orange Coin and Stamp Club, the expo attracted collectors from Sydney and across western NSW on Saturday and Sunday.

Described by members as the largest coin and stamp expo in inland Australia, about 350 people had passed through the doors by noon on Saturday.

Club president Tony Read said collectors came to buy, sell and exhibit while other people brought items in to be valued.

In some cases, club members bought an item off them.

“We’ve had grandfathers’ collections that they find in a draw and people come in with things they find in the garden,” Mr Read said. 

“They get very excited about it and unfortunately we have to tell them they aren’t worth very much, even though they might come from the 1860s, because of their condition.” 

However, some individual coins, notes and stamps at the expo were worth thousands of dollars each, including two notes that were specially made for the Hay internment camp during WWII.

They used to be worth a couple of shillings, but are now worth $12,500 each due to their rarity. 

Chinese coins dating back to the eighth century BC as well as historic Japanese, Roman, Greek, British and Australian coins drew a lot of attention, as did rare and valuable stamps.

Mr Read also entered a display of medals, photographs and memorabilia depicting the WWI service of four brother-in-laws, two of whom made it home. 

Among them was Mr Read’s grandfather George Henderson, who was gassed in the war and sent to Bathurst for treatment before moving to Spring Hill.

Walter Scott, who specialises in ancient Greek and Roman coins also attended.

He has been coming every year from Sydney for at least 20 years with fellow coin dealer Bob Roberts.

Their stall draws a lot of attention, but Mr Scott says he does not sell much because most people are not familiar with ancient Greek and Roman coins.

tanya.marschke@fairfaxmedia.com.au