Summary

Copper One Penny Token, minted by Heaton & Sons, Birmingham. Issued by John Martin, Grocer & Tea Dealer, Adelaide, circa 1858. The earliest mention of a John Martin, Grocer, was from 1845, when Martin, John, of the Gillies Arcade was listed in the Royal South Australian Almanac. There was a John Martin, Grocer, Rundle Street, listed in the Royal South Australian Almanacs for 1854 and 1855, but no street numbers were given in the listings. The 1857 Royal South Australia Almanac also included the Gilbert Street listing. The earliest listing of a business exactly matching the inscription on the tokens was in 1858, in 'Howell's Directory for the City and Port of Adelaide'.

Previous Collections: George McArthur

Physical Description

A round copper trade token (34 mm diameter) giving the name, address and business of the issuing firm: John Martin, Rundle St. Adelaide, Grocer and Tea Dealer. The reverse features a representation of Justice standing blindfolded facing to left, extending right arm with balanced scales, inverted cornucopiae from which fruit flows held in left; among the fruit the letter G; above, AUSTRALIA; sailing ship on horizon at left of token.

Obverse Description

JOHN MARTIN / _._ / GROCER / AND / TEA DEALER / 29 / RUNDLE STREET / - / ADELAIDE

Reverse Description

Justice standing blindfolded facing to left extending right arm with balanced scales, in left hand an inverted cornucopiae from which fruit flows (letter G among the fruit); above, AUSTRALIA; sailing ship on horizon at left.

Edge Description

Plain

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