Summary

Copper Halfpenny token, minted by Stokes, Melbourne. Late strike of the reverse issued by T.W. Thomas & Co, Grocers, Melbourne, circa 1854. T.W. Thomas and Co. opened a grocer's business during 1854 in Melbourne. An advertisement for 'T.W. Thomas and Co., Old East India Stores, corner of Bourke and Swanston Streets' appeared in The Argus, Monday 23 April 1855, p.3 stock included: Teas, Coffees, Sugar, sauces, oils, pickles, vinegar, soaps, rice, jellies, cheese, matches, hams, spices, coconuts, starches, pasta (macaroni and vermicelli) and tinned fish. Thomas & Co is said to have become insolvent while trading in Melbourne, and during a meeting he is alleged to have threatened to drive his creditors into the street with a horse whip. Thomas is thought to have returned to Tasmania after 1859.

This uniface piece was prepared in 1982 for exhibit beside the original die.

Physical Description

A uniface copper copy of a trade token halfpenny obverse (30 mm diameter) featuring the name address and business of the original issuer: T.W. Thomas & Co. grocers, Melbourne

Obverse Description

Legend in three lines, T. W. THOMAS & Co / GROCERS / MELBOURNE

Reverse Description

Plain

Edge Description

Plain

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