Summary
Love token made from smoothed and stippled 1797 penny, dated (and probably made in) 1834. The inscription indicates that the token was made by William Adams for his sister. It was previously identified as Australian-made, but no evidence has been found to support this.
Love tokens were often commissioned by convicts before they were transported to Australia, as a memento for their loved ones. Itinerant engravers visited the prisons and hulks, finding a ready market for these tokens, which were made to order from smoothed-down coins.
Love tokens are evidence of the British Government's attitude to law and order and treatment of indentured labourers in a strict Government 'Assignment System' which provided cheap labour for the expanding British empire during the 1700s and 1800s.
About one third of migrants who came to Australia between 1830 and 1850 paid their own way. Convicts and settlers who came to Australia found that in comparison to Europe, conditions were very good and with hard work and determination they could prosper.
The maker of this token has not been definately identified. A William Adams arrived on 7 February 1836 on the Susan and married Sarah Jane Linsley in 1842.
Physical Description
Love token made from smoothed and stippled 1797 penny.
Obverse Description
Stippled, FEARWELL / DEAR / SISTER
Reverse Description
Stippled, anchor at centre; around, WILLIAM ADAMS 1834
Edge Description
Plain
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Purchase from Noble Numismatics, 07 Jul 1998
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Date Issued
1834 AD
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Maker (Probable)
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Date Inscribed
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Inscriptions
Plain (edge) Stippled, FEARWELL / DEAR / SISTER (obverse) Stippled at centre an anchor; around, WILLIAM ADAMS 1834 (reverse)
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Series
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Material
Copper
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Axis
10
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Exhibition Collection Management
36 mm (Length), 2 mm (Height), 35 mm (Outside Diameter)
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Shape
Round
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References
[Book] Field, M & Millett, T. 1998. Convict Love Tokens.
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Keywords
Convicts, Families, Immigrant Voyages, Immigration, Love Tokens, Settlement, Travel