Summary
Bronze One Penny Token, mint unknown. Issued by R. Gratten, Thames Hotel, Auckland, 1872. The Thames Hotel, was run by R. Gratten in 1872. It stood at the corner of Queen and Customs Streets in Auckland. Robinson suggests that the name connects the hotel with the gold fields in New Zealand's South Island, and that fights between patrons at the end of the evening were a common event.
Previous Collections: George McArthur
Physical Description
A round bronze token (31 mm diameter) featuring the name and business of the company that issued the tokens: R. Gratten Thames Hotel Auckland. The reverse features a Maori in paddling a dog-headed canoe within a fern wreath and the date 1872. This token has been cleaned.
Obverse Description
Lehend in three lines: THAMES HOTEL / R. GRATTEN / AUCKLAND
Reverse Description
At centre within a wreath of fern fronds, a Maori paddling left in a canoe. The canoe is decorated with geometric patterns and has a dog head carved prow.
Edge Description
Plain
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), George McArthur, 15 Mar 1976
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Date Issued
1872 AD
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Issued By
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Previous Collection
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Inscriptions
Obverse: THAMES HOTEL R. GRATTEN AUCKLAND Reverse: 1872
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Denomination
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Series
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Material
Bronze
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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
31 mm (Outside Diameter), 9.516 g (Weight)
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Shape
Round
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References
-Robinson, H.A.. "Auckland Tradesmen's Tokens." The New Zealand Numismatic Journal. May 1974: p. 140
[Book] Andrews, Arthur. 1921. Australasian Tokens and Coins., No. 152
[Book] Heyde, Gilbert C. & Skinner, Dion H. 1967. Unofficial Coins of Colonial Australia and New Zealand., No. 85
[Book] Lampard, William H. 1981. Catalogue of New Zealand Coins Tokens Bank Notes., No. 321
[Book] Humberstone, Vaughn. 2010. Merchants Making Money.
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Keywords
