Summary

Copper one Penny Token, minted by Heaton & Sons in Birmingham, circa 1851. Issued by Iredale & Co. Iron Merchants & Ironmongers, in Sydney. Transported to Australia in 1812 and later emancipated Lancelot Iredale, founded an Ironmongery firm in 1820. In 1844 Iredale and Co. provided supplies to the expedition mounted by explorer Ludwig Leichhardt that crossed Australia from Sydney to Port Essington. The following year Lancelot's son Robert took over the business. Thomas, Robert's brother, and Frederic Lassetter joined the firm in 1850. In 1854 Iredale and Co. issued their first tokens, making them one of the first companies to issue tokens in Australia. In 1855 George Iredale, another brother, joined the firm. In 1861 after Thomas' death, Lancelot Jr., the Grandson of the founder, became the principal of the firm.

Previous Collections: George McArthur

Physical Description

A round copper token (34 mm diameter). The token design featuring the name, partial address, business and foundation date of the issuer: Iredale and Co., Sydney, iron merchants and general ironmongers. The reverse features Britannia seated on a rock against which a shield decorated with the Union Jack. Britannia extends an olive branch and holds a trident over her shoulder. On the horizon to the right a sailing ship. The makers initials H&S (Heaton and Sons , Birmingham) extend to the right of the shield. A letter K to the laft of the shield is the artist's initial (Kuchler).

Obverse Description

At centre within line circle, ESTABLISHED / 1820 / IREDALE & CO. / SYDNEY around, * IRON MERCHANTS AND GENERAL IRONMONGERS

Reverse Description

Britannia seated left holding trident and olive branch; above, BRITANNIA. On the horizon to the right a sailing ship. The makers initials H&S (Heaton and Sons , Birmingham) extend to the right of the shield. A letter K to the laft of the shield is the artist's initial (Kuchler)

Edge Description

Plain

More Information

  • Collection Names

    McArthur Bequest

  • Collecting Areas

    Numismatics & Philately, Working Life & Trades

  • Acquisition Information

    Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), George McArthur, 15 Mar 1976

  • Date Issued

    circa 1851 AD

  • Issued By

    Iredale & Co., Sydney, Greater Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1851 or later

  • Mint

    Heaton & Sons (Mint), Birmingham, England, Great Britain, 1851-1855
    Heaton & Sons struck their first issue, the Annand Smith token, in 1851.

  • Previous Collection

    George McArthur

  • Denomination

    1 Penny

  • Series

    Trade Tokens

  • Material

    Copper

  • Axis

    12

  • Classification

    Trade tokens, Australia - new south wales, Working strikes

  • Category

    History & Technology

  • Discipline

    Numismatics

  • Type of item

    Object

  • Dimensions

    34 mm (Outside Diameter), 16.526 g (Weight)

  • Shape

    Round

  • References

    'Tokens of George Street,' by Tom May: Australian Numismatist, 1988 (Special Bicentennial Edition), pp. 21-36; Advertisement, The Wagga Wagga Express, 25 December 1858, p. 1; Advertisement, Samson's National Directory of New South Wales for 1867 - 1868, advertisements p.17. Read, R. "Lancelot Iredale". 1830. Collection of the State Library of New South Wales. [Link 1] A. Regan, 3/5/2005. -Pickering, C.P. Photograph: "Lassetter & Co., wholesale and retail ironmonger, 421 George Street, Sydney." Collection of the State Library of New South Wales. [Link 2] Call No.: SPF/493. A. Regan, 3/5/2005; -Joseland, H. "Lassetter's George Street frontage in 1898." Architect's sketch. Collection of the State Library of New South Wales. [Link 3] Call No.: XV1/Sho/Lass/1; -Advertisements. Sydney Morning Herald. 3 April 1861: p.2; -Bradshaw's Almamac and General Guide. 1864: pp.xxviii - xxxi; -Advertisement. Bradshaw's Almanac for 1869. Unnumbered page (back cover). This token was struck with dies A/1
    [Thesis] Lugton, Mary E. 1989. George McArthur of Maldon: his Life and his Book Collection.
    [Catalogue] Morrison, Ian. 2003. The Baker of Maldon.
    [Book] Andrews, Arthur. 1921. Australasian Tokens and Coins., No. 291
    [Book] Heyde, Gilbert C. & Skinner, Dion H. 1967. Unofficial Coins of Colonial Australia and New Zealand., No. 131

  • Keywords

    Ironmongers, Retailing, Shops