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.
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. This token has been cleaned and the reverse has re-toned green.
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
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from Melbourne Branch of Royal Mint, 1978
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Date Issued
circa 1851 AD
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Issued By
J. McFarlane, Wholesale & Retail Grocer, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1850-1851
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Previous Collection
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Inscriptions
Obverse: J. McFARLANE WHOLESALE & RETAIL GROCER CORNER OF ELIZABETH & LONSDALE STS. MELBOURNE Reverse: PEACE AND PLENTY
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Denomination
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Series
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Material
Copper
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Axis
11
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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
34 mm (Outside Diameter), 17.711 g (Weight)
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Shape
Round
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References
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
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Keywords