Summary

Copper One Penny Token, minted by an unknown British mint. Issued by J. Sawyer, Tobacconist, Brisbane, 1864.

Physical Description

A round copper token (34 mm diameter). The token features the name address and business of the issuer: J. Sawyer, Brisbane, Wholesale and Retail Tobacconist. The reverse features a set of Arms with emu and kangaroo supporters and the motto ADVANCE AUSTRALIA. This token has been cleaned and has a finely pitted surface.

Obverse Description

J. SAWYER / WHOLESALE / & RETAIL / TOBACCONIST / BRISBANE within a border of 141 dots Cleaned

Reverse Description

At centre Arms with emu and kangaroo rupporters both facing away from the shield and looking back towards it, the motto ADVANCE AUSTRALIA on a ribbon below. Above, QUEENSLAND; below, 1864 Cleaned pitted and partly re-toned

Edge Description

Plain

More Information

  • Collection Names

    Royal Melbourne Mint Collection

  • Collecting Areas

    Numismatics & Philately, Working Life & Trades

  • Acquisition Information

    Transfer from Melbourne Branch of Royal Mint, 11 Jan 1978

  • Date Issued

    1864 AD

  • Issued By

    J Sawyer - Tobacconist, Brisbane, Greater Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 1864

  • Previous Collection

    Royal Mint, Melbourne Branch

  • Inscriptions

    Obverse: J. SAWYER WHOLESALE & RETAIL TOBACCONIST BRISBANE Reverse: QUEENSLAND 1864 ADVANCE AUSTRALIA

  • Denomination

    1 Penny

  • Series

    Trade Tokens

  • Material

    Copper

  • Axis

    12

  • Classification

    Trade tokens, Australia - queensland, Working strikes

  • Category

    History & Technology

  • Discipline

    Numismatics

  • Type of item

    Object

  • Overall Dimensions

    34 mm (Outside Diameter), 13.709 g (Weight)

  • References

    Dr. Andrews suggested that this issue was struck by Stokes (p. 83). This seems very unlikley as the style of work is not like that produced by Stokes. The rim beading for example is smaller and better entered with 141 beads, well above the Stokes average. In addition the British Museum was presented with a proof striking of this type in February 1866 (donated by the Hon. R. Marsham), this matches other pieces of British manufacture but not Stokes.
    [Book] Andrews, Arthur. 1921. Australasian Tokens and Coins., No. 469
    [Book] Heyde, Gilbert C. & Skinner, Dion H. 1967. Unofficial Coins of Colonial Australia and New Zealand., No. 223