Summary

Copper Halfpenny Token, mint agent, Coard, London, minted by W.J. Taylor, London. Issued by John Andrew & Co, Drapers, Melbourne, 1862. John Andrew was apprenticed to the drapery trade in Glasgow and was later successful in his own drapery business in Scotland. He migrated to Australia in 1853. In 1854 he was listed in a Melbourne directory as the owner of a drapery and outfitting business in Lonsdale Street. In 1856 John married Ann Forbes, also from Wick. John sold his business in 1869 to Christie and Berwick and retired to live privately. In 1877 he was encouraged to stand for election to represent West Melbourne in the Legislative Assembly. He was duly elected and displayed his characteristic enthusiasm and progressive personality. At the end of his term, however, he retreated into retirement once again.

Physical Description

A round copper token (28 mm diameter) giving the name address and business of the issuer: John Andrew & Co., 11 Lonsdale Street West, Melbourne, drapers. The token features on the reverse a an emu and kangaroo facong each other on a grass covered ground. It bears the date 1862. This token has been damaged and cleaned and the reverse re-toned.

Obverse Description

Legend in four lines with elongated diamond shaped bars, MELBOURNE / - / JNO. ANDREW & CO / DRAPERS &c. / - / 11 LONSDALE ST. WEST the first and last lines are curved

Reverse Description

At centre facing each other, emu r. & kangaroo l. above, VICTORIA; in exergue, COARD LONDON / 1862

Edge Description

Plain

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