Summary

Copper One Penny Token, minted by Thomas Stokes, Melbourne. Issued by J.W.& G. Williams, Ironmongers & Drapers, Eaglehawk, Victoria, circa 1858. John Williams arrived in Melbourne from Yorkshire in 1849. His brother George joined him a year later and the brothers tried their luck in the Bendigo gold fields and ended up establishing a general store in Eaglehawk. They described themselves as 'ironmongers, grocers, drapers, gold office, wine and spirit merchant, and colonial produce merchant.' The brothers worked their store until 1876 when they terminated their partnership. John continued in their original business and George opened another store in the same town.

Previous Collections: Hon. William M.K. Vale

Physical Description

A round copper token (34 mm diameter). The token features the name, address and business of the issuer: J.W. Williams, Eaglehawk, Gold Office, wine, spirit and colonial produce merchants, grocers, ironmongers, and drapers. The reverse die has a small crack between the IC of OFFICE which has been transferred to the token.

Obverse Description

J.W.& G. WILLIAMS / GROCERS / IRONMONGERS / & / DRAPERS / EAGLE HAWK border of 134 beads

Reverse Description

GOLD OFFICE / WINE, SPIRIT, / COLONIAL / PRODUCE / MERCHANTS / EAGLE HAWK border of 133 beads. There is a small die crack between the IC of OFFICE.

Edge Description

Plain

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