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

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