Summary

Australia
1949 (AD)
Mint: Stokes
Other Details: Numismatic Association of Victoria medal marking the centenary of what was thought to be the first Australasian token, issued by Melbourne grocers Annand Smith & Co. in 1849. One hundred of these medals were struck by Stokes & Son. The medal was launched at an exhibition held by the NAV in the National Gallery of Victoria, at which the granddaughter of George Annand spoke. This was the first of many issues by the NAV (see NU 11019, etc., for example of the token being commemorated).Tokens were privately issued coins manufactured and distributed by merchants. They were made throughout Australia because of a severe shortage of small change from 1848 till 1873. Although the Annand Smith token is not inscribed with a date, researchers have discovered the order for their manufacture in Birmingham, England, so we know they were issued before the great population boom of the gold rush.

Physical Description

A silver medal whose main feature is a reproduction of the original Annand, Smith & Co. copper token. At centre within wide rim, Britannia, seated, facing l. on rock against which rests a shield decorated with the Union Jack, holding olive branch & trident, ship on horizon to right; around BRITANNIA, in exergue the mint name, STOKES, around on wide rim, THE NUMISMATIC.ASSOCIATION.OF.VICTORIA. * 1949 * Around on wide rim, AUSTRALIA'S . FIRST . COPPER . TOKEN * ISSUED 20TH OCTOBER 1849 * Within rim, ANNAND,SMITH & CO / FAMILY / GROCERS / .MELBOURNE.

Obverse Description

At centre within wide rim, Britannia, seated, facing l. on rock against which rests a shield decorated with the Union Jack, holding olive branch & trident, ship on horizon to right; around BRITANNIA, in exergue the mint name, STOKES, around on wide rim, THE NUMISMATIC.ASSOCIATION.OF.VICTORIA. * 1949 *

Reverse Description

Around on wide rim, AUSTRALIA'S . FIRST . COPPER . TOKEN * ISSUED 20TH OCTOBER 1849 * Within rim, ANNAND,SMITH & CO / FAMILY / GROCERS / .MELBOURNE.

Edge Description

Plain

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