Summary

Copper one Penny Token, minted by Heaton & Sons in Birmingham, circa 1851. Issued by Iredale & Co. Iron Merchants & Ironmongers, in Sydney. Transported to Australia in 1812 and later emancipated Lancelot Iredale, founded an Ironmongery firm in 1820. In 1844 Iredale and Co. provided supplies to the expedition mounted by explorer Ludwig Leichhardt that crossed Australia from Sydney to Port Essington. The following year Lancelot's son Robert took over the business. Thomas, Robert's brother, and Frederic Lassetter joined the firm in 1850. In 1854 Iredale and Co. issued their first tokens, making them one of the first companies to issue tokens in Australia. In 1855 George Iredale, another brother, joined the firm. In 1861 after Thomas' death, Lancelot Jr., the Grandson of the founder, became the principal of the firm.

Physical Description

A round copper token (34 mm diameter). The token design featuring the name, partial address, business and foundation date of the issuer: Iredale and Co., Sydney, iron merchants and general ironmongers. The reverse features Britannia seated on a rock against which a shield decorated with the Union Jack. Britannia extends an olive branch and holds a trident over her shoulder. On the horizon to the right a sailing ship. The makers initials H&S (Heaton and Sons , Birmingham) extend to the right of the shield. A letter K to the laft of the shield is the artist's initial (Kuchler) This token was cleaned, the obverse has also been silver plated but still in places has re-toned green

Obverse Description

At centre within line circle, ESTABLISHED / 1820 / IREDALE & CO. / SYDNEY around, * IRON MERCHANTS AND GENERAL IRONMONGERS

Reverse Description

Britannia seated left holding trident and olive branch; above, BRITANNIA. On the horizon to the right a sailing ship. The makers initials H&S (Heaton and Sons , Birmingham) extend to the right of the shield. A letter K to the laft of the shield is the artist's initial (Kuchler)

Edge Description

Plain

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