Summary

Brass one Penny Cast Token, possibly created by Whitty, circa 1858. Based on Professor Holloway's Trade Token Penny c. 1858. Cast trade tokens are probably best all considered counterfeits. Exceptions might be cast examples of the Whitty & Brown trade tokens. Whitty was a brass founder, Brown and engraver. After dissolution of their partnership, Whitty continued to produce crudely cast pieces which were accepted as currency equally with struck tokens "the public being not in the least particular"' Dr. Mark Long. Spinks' Numismatic Circular Sept. 1898 - as quoted in Heyde p. 85.

Holloway tokens are presumed to have been circulated worldwide throughout retailers of Holloway products. Holloway's tokens were produced in large numbers and have proven the most common token finds on Melbourne archaeological sites.

Previous Collections: George McArthur

Physical Description

A very crude cast brass copy of a round striking of a Professor Holloway token (34 mm diameter). The token features a profile head of Professor Holloway and a rendition of the classical goddess Hygeia (the ancient Greek goddess of health) seated looking at snake drinking from a cup she holds in her left hand, the snake is curled around a burning altar, an orb rests on altar on her right side. The casting is so poor that the date is missing and most of the legends are illegible.

Obverse Description

Head of Professor Holloway facing left around, [PROFESSOR HOLLOWAY]; below, [LONDON]. Legend mostly illegible.

Reverse Description

Hygeia (the ancient Greek goddess of health) seated looking at snake drinking from a cup she holds in her left hand, the snake is curled around a burning altar, an orb rests on altar on her right side, around; [HOLLOWAY'S PILLS AND OINTMENTS}. Legend mostly illegible.

Edge Description

Plain

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