Summary

Copper One Penny Token, minted by W.J. Taylor, London. Issued by S. Clarkson, Importer & Wholesaler, Christchurch, 1875. Samuel Clarkson was 14 years old when he arrived in Lyttelton, New Zealand, with his father. In April 1851 they were joined by his mother and siblings, the family then moved to Christchurch. In 1857 he married a Miss Lodge. Samuel followed his father's trade, working as a carpenter and contractor, he became a person of note after building a spectacular five-roomed house. After several years opened a wholesale builder's merchant's warehouse. He was a wholesaler for some years, and after retiring continued his involvement in the construction industry, acting as agent for a number of construction materials companies.

Previous Collections: National Gallery of Victoria

Physical Description

A round copper token (34 mm diameter). The piece features the name, address and business of the issuer: S. Clarkson, importer, Cashel Street, Christchurch. The reverse features a female figure representing Justice seated on a wool bale with legs to left but her head and upper body to front. A wine barrel lies on the ground behind her and a three-masted sailing ship sails to the right on the horizon to the left. She wears a blindfold and extends a balanced set of scales with her right hand. With her left she holds an inverted cornucopia from which fruits flow onto the ground. She wears an ancient-style of flowing dress bound at the waist, both arms bare.

Obverse Description

At top above foliage, S. CLARKSON below foliage in five lines: IMPORTER / CASHEL STREET / CHRIST / CHURCH / NEW ZEALAND

Reverse Description

A female figure representing Justice seated on a wool bale with legs to left but her head and upper body to front. A wine barrel lies on the ground behind her and a three-masted sailing ship sails to the right on the horizon to the left. She wears a blindfold and extends a balanced set of scales with her right hand. With her left she holds an inverted cornucopia from which fruits flow onto the ground. She wears an ancient-style of flowing dress bound at the waist, both arms bare. Above, NEW ZEALAND in exergue, 1875.

Edge Description

Plain

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