Summary

Copper Halfpenny token, minted by W.J. Taylor of London, circa 1860. Issued by O.H. Hedberg, owner of Oil & Colour Stores, in Hobart, Tasmania.

Hedburg was originally from Sweden but settled in Hobart in 1844 and became involved in the whaling industry. After the decline of the whaling industry in the mid-1850s, he opened a business as a produce merchant and commission agent in Argyle Street, Hobart, it is from this business his tokens were issued.

Hedberg's main issue was quite standard, being a penny and a halfpenny. However it is confused by the existence of a large number of patterns, mules and late strikes. The regular series of issued tokens had no pictorial element. A second group of penny token patterns offered a variety of forms of the seated Australia while the third group, provide a variety of mules in both penny and halfpenny denominations and should be considered late strikes.

Previous Collections: National Gallery of Victoria

Physical Description

A round copper token (28 mm diameter) featuring the name address and business of the issuers O.H. Hedberg, Swedish House Argyle St. Hobart Ton (sic) oil & color stores. The denomination is given on the reverse in two lines, half penny. This token has been cleaned and varnished.

Obverse Description

Across centre in two lines, O.H. / HEDBERG around, ARGYLE ST. HOBART TON * OIL & COLOR STORES *

Reverse Description

Across centre in two lines, HALF / PENNY around . O.H. HEDBERG . SWEDISH HOUSE HOBART TON

Edge Description

Plain

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