Summary

Copper One Penny Token, minted by T. Pope & Co, Birmingham. Issued by T. Pope & Co Mint, circa 1855. These pieces, though promoting the profitability of exporting tokens to Australia, have been widely accepted as circulating here. The exact mechanism for placing them into circulation is not known. It is thought that they were distributed to the retail trades through wholesalers in either Melbourne and/or Sydney. The lack of wear on this example, acquired in Melbourne by von Guerard from Mr. Curtis hints that they were originally circulated in Melbourne.

Physical Description

A round copper token (34 mm diameter) giving the name, address and business of the manufacturer: T. Pope & Co. St. Paul's Square, Birmingham, coin and press makers. The reverse features Britannia seated extending an olive branch with a trident resting on her left shoulder and shield resting against the rock on which she sits. The Britannia reverse is similar to that on the standard British copper coins of the era. This token shows little wear.

Obverse Description

THE AUSTRALIAN / TOKENS / MANUFACTURED BY / T. POPE & Co. / (COIN & PRESS MAKERS, / ST PAUL'S SQUARE / BIRMINGHAM,) / ARE VERY PROFITABLE / TO EXPORT

Reverse Description

Britannia seated facing left holding trident and olive branch; shield bearing Union Jack rests behind; sailing ship at sea on left of token; above, BRITANNIA

Edge Description

Plain

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