Summary

Silver Threepence Token, minted by J. C. Thornthwaite, 1854. Issued by James Campbell, General Stores, Morpeth, New South Wales. James Campbell arranged for a large supply of tokens, both penny and halfpenny denominations from Heaton and Son, Birmingham.

Thornthwaite was the first person to manufacture tokens and medals in Australia. Migrating to Sydney in 1949, his tokens are noteworthy for the lack of clarity of detail in design because the dies were not cut deep enough and he lacked the tools to produce high quality tokens. Thornthwaite also worked as a medallist, particularly after tokens were made illegal in NSW in 1868. Thornthwaite's most accomplished tokens were produced in silver. In 1854 he made a small number of three-penny silver tokens for James Campbell of Morpeth, New South Wales, which were 'larger and thicker than normal currency issued' and consequently 'represented about 33% more in metal content and thus value.'

Previous collections: National Gallery of Victoria

Physical Description

A round silver token (16 mm dia) featuring the name and business name of the issuer, James Campbell General Stores of Morpeth. It features a floral bouquet of rose, thistle and shamrock. This token has a die crack to E of MORPETH (obverse).

Obverse Description

Curved around central image of rose, shamrock and thistle, JAMES CAMPBELL / GENERAL / STORES / . MORPETH . (die crack to E of MORPETH)

Reverse Description

At centre below a rising sun a large numeral 3; around, SILVER TOKEN

Edge Description

Plain

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