Summary

Copper One Penny Token, minted by W.J. Taylor, London. Issued by D.T. Mulligan, Queensland Stores, Rockhampton, 1863. It is likely that Mulligan opened his 'Queensland Stores' in either 1862 or 1863, after the discovery of Copper and Gold at nearby Peak Downs. The Early History of Rockhampton includes the following comment about Mulligan and his tokens: 'Copper (coins) were even harder to get than Silver and several of the leading business people had copper tokens struck, which were accepted as pennies, while at the same time they served as advertisements. The late Mr D.J [sic] Mulligan circulated a large number of these tokens, which remained in use for ten or fifteen years.' Mulligan is said to have 'sold out to H.F. Walton, and retired to Ireland, where he died.' (Rockhampton City Council, personal correspondence).

Physical Description

A round bronze token (34 mm diameter). The token features the name and address of the issuer: D.T. Mulligan, Queensland Stores Rockhampton. The reverse features a Coat of Arms consisting of a central shield below a Rising Sun supported by an emu at left and kangaroo at right all resting on a ribbon with the motto ADVANCE AUSTRALIA. The shield is quartered and contains: upper left - a golden fleece; upper right - a three-masted sailing ship; lower left - a bull standing facing left; lower right a anchor. Below is the date 1863. This token has been damaged by burial.

Obverse Description

QUEENSLAND STORES / ROCKHAMPTON / D.T.MULLIGAN

Reverse Description

At centre Coat of Arms consisting of a central shield below a Rising Sun supported by an emu at left and kangaroo at right all resting on a ribbon with the motto ADVANCE AUSTRALIA. The shield is quartered and contains: upper left - a golden fleece; upper right - a three-masted sailing ship; lower left - a bull standing facing left; lower right a anchor.; above, QUEENSLAND; below, 1863

Edge Description

Plain

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