Summary

Copper Halfpenny Proof Token, minted by the Kangaroo Office in Melbourne, in 1854. It was issued by James Nokes, a Wholesale and Retail Grocer, to commemorate the arrival of Sir Charles Hotham in Melbourne on 22 June 1854. Soon after issuing his tokens Nokes experienced monetary problems, and sold his grocery firm to T.W. Thomas & Co. who also issued halfpenny tokens employing the Hotham commemorative reverse.

The tokens were struck by Reginald Scaife at the Kangaroo Office, with dies prepared in Melbourne using steel die banks brought from England, on copper halfpenny blanks. The commemorative reverse die has survived and is in the mueum collection NU 35977. Nokes also issued another token which was struck with a stock seated Australia reverse.

Physical Description

A round prooflike strike of a copper token (28 mm diameter) giving the name address and business of the issuer: James Nokes, Melbourne, grocer and on the reverse a commemoration of the arrival of Sir Charles Hotham on 22 June 1854.

Obverse Description

Legend in 3 lines (the first and last curved): JAMES NOKES / GROCER / MELBOURNE

Reverse Description

At the centre, SIR / CHARLES / HOTHAM / 22D JUNE / 1854 around, IN COMMEMORATION OF THE LANDING OF *

Edge Description

Plain

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