Summary
Copper Halfpenny Token, minted by an unknown British mint. Issued by H.J. Marsh & Brother, Ironmongers, Hobart, circa 1855. On 26 April 1850 Henry James Marsh opened an ironmongery and paint shop at the corner of Murray and Collins Streets. It is believed that he entered into a partnership with his brother Samuel Charles Marsh in 1853, but Samuel died the following year. In 1867 the firm was known as H.J. Marsh and Co., and in 1912 the firm was absorbed by Harris and Marsh. H.J. Marsh died on 28 April 1897.
Previous Collections: Hon. William M.K. Vale
Physical Description
A round copper token (28 mm diameter) featuring the name and business of the company which issued the tokens: H.J. Marsh & Brother, Hobart Town, Ironmongers. The reverse depicts a paddle steamer with three sailing masts together with the motto "To Facilitate Trade" and the denomination Halfpenny Token..
Obverse Description
Legend in three lines, the first and last curved against the rim beads, H.J. MARSH & BROTHER / IRONMONGERS / HOBART TOWN
Reverse Description
At centre, a paddle steamer with three sailing masts sailing left under steam and front sails; around above, HALFPENNY TOKEN around below, TO FACILITATE TRADE
Edge Description
Plain
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Honourable William M. Vale JP, 15 Mar 1976
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Date Issued
circa 1855 AD
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Issued By
Marsh, H.J & Brother, Hobart, Greater Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Commissioned By
Marsh, H.J & Brother, Hobart, Greater Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, 1852-1862
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Previous Collection
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Inscriptions
Obverse: H.J. MARSH & BROTHER IRONMONGERS HOBART TOWN Reverse: HALFPENNY TOKEN TO FACILITATE TRADE
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Denomination
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Series
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Material
Copper
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Axis
12
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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
28 mm (Outside Diameter), 5.882 g (Weight)
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Shape
Round
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References
[Book] Andrews, Arthur. 1921. Australasian Tokens and Coins., No. 346
[Book] Heyde, Gilbert C. & Skinner, Dion H. 1967. Unofficial Coins of Colonial Australia and New Zealand., No. 159
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Keywords
Ironmongers, Paddle Steamers, Sailing Vessels, Shipping, Steam Ships