Summary

Copper One Penny Token, minted by an unknown British mint. Issued by John Howell, Liverpool Cheap Book Depot, Adelaide, circa 1857. Surcharged in three lined C. JENKINS / AUCTIONEER / ADELAIDE. The earliest mention of a bookseller by the name of John Howell was in 1855 when he had a premises in Hindley Street and in Strangways Terrace, North Adelaide. Howell seems to have built a substantial business quite rapidly. During 1858 he took out extensive advertisements in the Books and Stationery advertisements section of the Adelaide Advertiser. By 1864 he had moved to 4 Rundle Street and in addition to his books, music and stationery, his advertisement prominently announced that his business was a 'Depository of the Society for the promotion of Christian Knowledge.'

Previouse Collections: National Gallery of Victoria

Physical Description

An obliterated once round copper trade token (c 34 mm diameter) originally giving the name, address and business of the issuing firm: John Howell, Hindley St. (?) Adelaide, Bookseller - Liverpool Cheap Book Depot. The reverse featured a representation of the mythical Liver bird, featured on early Arms of Liverpool. This token has been surcharged in three lined C. JENKINS / AUCTIONEER / ADELAIDE

Obverse Description

JOHN HOWELL / BOOKSELLER / _._ / HINDLEY ST / . ADELAIDE . all obliterated surcharged in three lined C. JENKINS / AUCTIONEER / ADELAIDE

Reverse Description

At centre (if you get the lighting right) a liver bird facing left holding an olive branch in beak; above, LIVERPOOL; below, CHEAP BOOK DEPOT

Edge Description

Plain

More Information