Summary

Copper Halfpenny Token, minted by W.J. Taylor, London. Issued by G. Hutton, Ironmonger, Hobart, circa 1860. George Hutton was born in the southern Scottish town of Harwick. He emigrated to Australia in 1832, he landed in Sydney initially, but decided to travel on to Tasmania. After arriving in Hobart Hutton obtained a 21-year lease on a block of land at the corner of Elizabeth and Collins Streets. He established a business dealing in cabinet-making, building, contracting and ironmongery. He ran until this broad construction, fabrication and home goods business until the 1851 gold rush in Victoria tempted his workers to seek their fortunes. In the years that followed he concentrated on the ironmongery business, which he ran until his death in 1865.

Physical Description

A round copper token (28 mm diameter) featuring the name, town and business of the issuer: G. Hutton, Hobart Town ironmonger. The obverse illustrates a two man timber saw and a sickle while the reverse is a standard emu and kangaroo design. This token has been cleaned and the reverse has re-toned dark green.

Obverse Description

At centre a crossed two man timber saw and one handed sickle, around, . G. HUTTON IRONMONGER . HOBART TOWN

Reverse Description

At centre, an emu standing facing right looking at Kangaroo seated on tail in grassy field facing left, no legend

Edge Description

Plain

More Information