Summary

Copper One Penny Token, minted by Stokes & Martin, Melbourne. Issued by Mason, Struthers & Co, Ironmongers, Christchurch, New Zealand, circa 1872. The reverse die used for this token was cut by Julius Hogarth. Mason and Struthers was the business name used by partners Frederick Mason and Robert Struthers from 1878 to 1899, when they ran an ironmongery business in Christchurch, New Zealand. The company continued to trade at that address in various forms until at least 1950. The partnership was dissolved in 1899 when Mason came to Australia to promote the Deering reaping and binding machine, and Struthers continued the business on his own. He sold it in 1903 and lived out the rest of his life in his home in Christchurch.

Previous Collections: George McArthur

Physical Description

A round copper token (31 mm diameter). The token features the name and business of the issuer: Mason Struthers & Co. wholesale & retail Ironmongers. The reverse features a profile bust of a Maori by Julius Hogarth.

Obverse Description

At centre within lin circle, WHOLESALE / AND / RETAIL / IRONMONGERS around above, MASON STRUTHERS & CO around below in small letters, STOKES & MARTIN MELBOURNE

Reverse Description

Bust of Maori facing right, around ONE PENNY TOKEN, on the bust in small letters the artist's initials IH.

Edge Description

Plain

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