Summary

Copper One Penny Token, minted Thomas Stokes, Melbourne. Issued by Evans & Foster, Booksellers & Stationers, Melbourne, 1862. Hugh C. Evans, aged 47, arrived in Melbourne on board the King Fisher in July 1857. By 1858, Evans had established himself as a 'publisher and bookseller' at 94 Bourke Street East. He ran the business without a partner from this address until 1861. In 1859, 1860 and 1861 he placed advertisements in Melbourne Directories, drawing readers' attention to his 'Cheap book and stationery warehouse.' His services included bookbinding, engraving, copperplate printing, a circulating library and a range of cheap sheet music. In 1861 Evans moved his business to 78 Bourke Street East and made Oswald Foster a partner in the new business. In the Sands and McDougall directory for 1862 they described themselves as 'Booksellers, Stationers and Circulating Library.' The business was not listed after 1867.

Standard References: Andrews 119 = Heyde 67 = Sharples V.65b

Physical Description

A round copper token (34 mm diameter) giving the name address and business of the issuer: Evans & Foster, 78 Bourke St. East, Melbourne, Booksellers & Stationers. The reverse features an emu standing facing left in front of a rising sun with thirteen long light rays. Below on a scroll the motto ADVANCE VICTORIA with no flowers emerging below scroll. Around above, VICTORIA . 1862, around below in two lines, T. STOKES _ MAKER / 100 COLLINS ST. EAST MELBOURNE. This token has been cleaned and the reverse has re-toned to a dark green.

Obverse Description

At centre in five lines, EVANS / & / FOSTER / 78 / BOURKE ST. / EAST around, BOOKSELLERS & STATIONERS : MELBOURNE : border of 118 beads. There is a die crack along the tops of the letters BOOK. Cleaned

Reverse Description

Emu before rising sun; above, VICTORIA . 1862 below, T.STOKES_MAKER/100 COLLINS ST. EAST MELBOURNE Toned dark green.

Edge Description

Plain

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