Summary
Silver Threepence Token, minted and issued by J.C. Thornthwaite of New South Wales, in 1854. Thornthwaite was the first person to manufacture tokens and medals in Australia. Migrating to Sydney in 1849, 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.
Previous Collections: National Gallery of Victoria
Physical Description
A round silver token (16 mm dia) featuring an Arms of New South Wales supported by a kangaroo and emu. The numeral 3, representing the denomination, is formed from 'oak leaves'. This token has been holed and plugged.
Obverse Description
Arms of New South Wales supported by kangaroo (left) and emu (right); around, SYDNEY NEW SOUTH WALES; below, 1854
Reverse Description
Large numeral 3 formed from leaves; around, SILVER TOKEN 1854
Edge Description
Plain
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), 15 Mar 1976
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Date Issued
1854 AD
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Issued By
John Craven Thornthwaite, Surry Hills, Greater Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1854
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Mint
John Craven Thornthwaite, Surry Hills, Greater Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1854
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Previous Collection
Numismatics Collection, National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), pre 1976
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Inscriptions
Obverse: SYDNEY NEW SOUTH WALES1854 Reverse: 3 SILVER TOKEN 1854
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Denomination
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Series
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Material
Silver
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Axis
12
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Dimensions
16 mm (Outside Diameter), 1.213 g (Weight)
Token holed and plugged, weight therefore not a true indication of original intention
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Shape
Round
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References
[Book] Andrews, Arthur. 1921. Australasian Tokens and Coins., No. 681
[Book] Heyde, Gilbert C. & Skinner, Dion H. 1967. Unofficial Coins of Colonial Australia and New Zealand., No. 250/1
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Keywords
