Summary

Copper One Penny Token minted by an unknown British mint. Issued by J. McFarlane, Wholesale & Retail Grocer, in Melbourne, Victoria, circa 1851.

McFarlane arrived in Melbourne in 1841 and sent goods to the goldfields during the rushes, in addition to his business in the city. He was probably the second Melbourne merchant to issue tokens. McFarlane appeared before the insolvents court in 1956 but reopened his business a few weeks later.

Previous Collections: George McArthur

Physical Description

A round copper token (34 mm diameter) giving the name address and business of the issuer: J. McFarlane, corner Elizabeth and Lonsdale Streets Melbourne, wholesale and retail grocer. The reverse features a female figure standing, facing. She holds an olive branch raised in her right hand and rests her left on the head of a gambolling lamb. A tame lion steps from behind her below the olive branch.

Obverse Description

At centre in 3 lines; J. McFARLANE / WHOLESALE & RETAIL / GROCER around, CORNER OF ELIZABETH & LONSDALE STS . MELBOURNE .

Reverse Description

The reverse features a female figure in long flowing dress standing, facing. She holds an olive branch raised in her right hand and rests her left on the head of a gambolling lamb. A tame lion steps from behind her below the olive branch. ; around, PEACE AND PLENTY

Edge Description

Plain

More Information

  • Collection Names

    McArthur Bequest

  • Collecting Areas

    Numismatics & Philately, Working Life & Trades

  • Acquisition Information

    Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), George McArthur, 15 Mar 1976

  • Date Issued

    circa 1851 AD

  • Issued By

    J. McFarlane, Wholesale & Retail Grocer, cnr Elizabeth & Lonsdale Streets, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1850-1851

  • Previous Collection

    George McArthur

  • Inscriptions

    Obverse: J. McFARLANE WHOLESALE & RETAIL GROCER CORNER OF ELIZABETH & LONSDALE STS. MELBOURNE Reverse: PEACE AND PLENTY

  • Denomination

    1 Penny

  • Series

    Trade Tokens

  • Material

    Copper

  • Axis

    11

  • Classification

    Trade tokens, Australia - victoria, Working strikes

  • Category

    History & Technology

  • Discipline

    Numismatics

  • Type of item

    Object

  • Dimensions

    34 mm (Outside Diameter), 18.373 g (Weight)

  • Shape

    Round

  • References

    -Gardner, F.. "Trade tokens and the firms which issued them: J. McFarlane." Originally published in The Australian Storekeepers and Traders Journal, c.1910 -1914. Republished in The Australian Coin Review. June 1970: p.17; -The Argus. 16 December 1856: p.5; -Sharples, J.. "Catalogue of Victorian Trade Tokens." Journal of the Numismatic Association of Australia. Vol. 7. December 1993: pp.49 - 50; -Hope, John. McFarlane. Unpublished MSS. 2005: 2pps. Records indicate that McFarlane was in business at this address in 1850 and 1851. He was probably the second Melbourne merchant to issue tokens (the first being Annand, Smith & Co. in 1849). Sharples JNAA.7, p. 49
    [Book] Andrews, Arthur. 1921. Australasian Tokens and Coins., No. 360
    [Book] Heyde, Gilbert C. & Skinner, Dion H. 1967. Unofficial Coins of Colonial Australia and New Zealand., No. 145/1
    [Article] Sharples, John P. 1993. A Catalogue of the Trade Tokens of Victoria 1848 to 1862. Journal of the Numismatic Association of Australia. vol.7: p.1-77., V. 110

  • Keywords

    Grocers, Retail Trade, Retailing, Wholesale Trade