Summary

Copper One Penny Token, minted by Thomas Stokes, Melbourne. Issued by G. Ryland, Draper & Clothier, Castlemaine, 1862. Ryland's business carried softgoods of superior quality. George Ryland was an Officer in one of the local Volunteer Forces, holding the rank of Captain in the 2nd Castlemaine Volunteer Rifles, later becoming the Commanding Officer of that force a rank he held until his death. Ryland was very successful in his business and built himself a substantial home, 'Rosemount' in about 1860.

Physical Description

A round copper token (34 mm diameter). The token features the name, address and business of the issuer: G. Ryland, draper and Clothier, Market Square Castlemaine. The reverse features a coat of arms consisting of a central shield set on grass covered ground and below Rising Sun. On left a kangaroo seated facing out but head back towards sun (sejant sinister reguardant) and on right emu with similar stance (passant dexter reguardant). Below ground line and set on bouquet of rose, thistles and shamrock, a ribbon with the motto ADVANCE VICTORIA. The shield is quartered by a cross with a star at the centre and at the end of each arm. The cross is not shaded. The quarters contain: top left, a three-masted sailing ship; top right, a golden fleece; bottom left, an anchor; and bottom right, a wheat sheaf. Around above, VICTORIA 1862, around below in two lines, T. STOKES MAKER / 100 COLLINS ST. EAST MELBOURNE. The neck of the emu is poorly engraved with additional line to the left, the T of EAST is below the letters AK of MAKER. There is no stop between VICTORIA and the date.

Obverse Description

At centre within border of 115 beads, G.RYLAND / DRAPER / AND / CLOTHIER / MARKET SQRE / CASTLEMAINE

Reverse Description

Coat of arms consisting of a central shield set on grass covered ground and below Rising Sun. On left a kangaroo seated facing out but head back towards sun (sejant sinister reguardant) and on right emu with similar stance (passant dexter reguardant). Below ground line and set on bouquet of rose, thistles and shamrock, a ribbon with the motto ADVANCE VICTORIA. The shield is quartered by a cross with a star at the centre and at the end of each arm. The cross is not shaded. The quarters contain: top left, a three-masted sailing ship; top right, a golden fleece; bottom left, an anchor; and bottom right, a wheat sheaf. Around above, VICTORIA 1862, around below in two lines, T. STOKES MAKER / 100 COLLINS ST. EAST MELBOURNE. The neck of the emu is poorly engraved with additional line to the left, the T of EAST is below the letters AK of MAKER. There is no stop between VICTORIA and the date.

Edge Description

Plain

More Information