Summary
Copper Halfpenny Token, minted and issued by J.C. Thornthwaite of New South Wales, in 1854. Thornthwaite was the first person to manufacture tokens and medals in Australia. Migrating to Sydney in 1849, his tokens are noteworthy for the lack of clarity of detail in design because the dies were not cut deep enough and he lacked the tools to produce high quality tokens. Thornthwaite also worked as a medallist, particularly after tokens were made illegal in NSW in 1868.
Physical Description
A round copper token (28 mm dia) featuring the name and buisness of the issuer, J.C. Thornthwaite, Die Sinker Medallist and an Arms of New South Wales supported by a kangaroo and emu. This token has been cleaned and varnished.
Obverse Description
Within line circle, two roses; around which, . DIE SINKER . / AND / MEDALLIST; around above, J.C.THORNTHWAITE; around below, . BOURNE STREET SURRY HILLS .
Reverse Description
Australian arms; around above, SYDNEY NEW SOUTH WALES; below, 1854 . On ribbon below Arms, ADVANCE AUSTRALIA
Edge Description
Plain
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Mr Alfred Chitty, 15 Mar 1976
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Date Issued
1854 AD
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Issued By
John Craven Thornthwaite, Surry Hills, Greater Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1854
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Mint
John Craven Thornthwaite, Surry Hills, Greater Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1854
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Previous Collection
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Inscriptions
Obverse: J.C.THORNTHWAITE BOURNE STREET SURRY HILLS DIE SINKER AND MEDALLIST Reverse: SYDNEY NEW SOUTH WALES 1854 ADVANCE AUSTRALIA
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Denomination
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Series
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Material
Copper
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Axis
12
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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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Dimensions
27 mm (Outside Diameter), 8.112 g (Weight)
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Shape
Round
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References
The word medallist was originally mis-spelled MEDALIST on this die (see NU 4448). Thornthwaite attempted to correct it and this is from the corrected form. It now seems to read MEDALLISIT.
[Book] Andrews, Arthur. 1921. Australasian Tokens and Coins., No. 582
[Book] Heyde, Gilbert C. & Skinner, Dion H. 1967. Unofficial Coins of Colonial Australia and New Zealand., No. 250/3
