Summary

Copper Halfpenny token, minted by Kangaroo Office, Melbourne, using dies manufactured in Melbourne. Issued by T.W. Thomas & Co, Grocers, Melbourne, circa 1854. Struck to commemorate the arrival of Sir Charles Hotham on 22 June 1854.

T.W. Thomas and Co. opened a grocer's business during 1854 in Melbourne. An advertisement for 'T.W. Thomas and Co., Old East India Stores, corner of Bourke and Swanston Streets' appeared in The Argus, Monday 23 April 1855, p.3 stock included: Teas, Coffees, Sugar, sauces, oils, pickles, vinegar, soaps, rice, jellies, cheese, matches, hams, spices, coconuts, starches, pasta (macaroni and vermicelli) and tinned fish. Thomas & Co is said to have become insolvent while trading in Melbourne, and during a meeting he is alleged to have threatened to drive his creditors into the street with a horse whip. Thomas is thought to have returned to Tasmania after 1859.

Previous Collections: George McArthur

Physical Description

A copper halfpenny trade token (28 mm diameter). It features the name and business of the issuing firm: T.W. THOMAS & Co., grocers Melbourne and commemorates on the reverse the arrival of Sir Charles Hotham on 22 June 1854.

Obverse Description

Legend in three lines: T.W. THOMAS & Co / GROCERS / MELBOURNE

Reverse Description

Inscribed around rim: IN COMMEMORATION OF THE LANDING OF Inscribed in centre as five lines ot text: SIR / CHARLES / HOTHAM / 22ND JUNE / 1854

Edge Description

Plain

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