Summary

Copper one Penny Proof Token, minted by J. Moore, London, in 1857. Issued to promote Professor Holloway's pills and ointments. Proof tokens, such as this one, were manufactured for collectors and museums as reference pieces, not for circulation. It is possible this piece may have been struck later in the nineteenth century, as restriking was common in London in the 1880s.

Holloway tokens are presumed to have been circulated worldwide throughout retailers of Holloway products. Holloway's tokens were produced in large numbers and have proven the most common token finds on Melbourne archaeological sites.

Previous Collections: National Gallery of Victoria

Physical Description

A round bronzed copper proof striking of a Professor Holloway token (34 mm diameter). The token features a profile head of Professor Holloway and a rendition of the classical goddess Hygeia (the ancient Greek goddess of health) seated looking at snake drinking from a cup she holds in her left hand, the snake is curled around a burning altar, an orb rests on altar on her right side. The legend promotes Holloway's pills and ointments and gives the date 1857. However, there are indications of rusting of the die prior to the production of this piece (for example on the neck of Hygeia and in the field below the last T of OINTMENT). Proof tokens were manufactured for collectors and museums as reference pieces, not for circulation. This piece may have been struck later in the nineteenth century - restriking was common in London in the 1880s.

Obverse Description

Head of Professor Holloway facing left with J. MOORE (the maker's name) in relief on neck truncation; around, PROFESSOR HOLLOWAY; below, LONDON.

Reverse Description

Hygeia (the ancient Greek goddess of health) seated looking at snake drinking from a cup she holds in her left hand, the snake is curled around a burning altar, an orb rests on altar on her right side, around; HOLLOWAY'S PILLS AND OINTMENTS. in exergue, 1857

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