Tokens were privately produced and circulated as unofficial coins. Because of a shortage of official currency, they were used in Victoria between 1849 and 1862. This one was circulated as a penny denomination by the grocery firm Hide and DeCarle, which issued penny and halfpenny tokens in 1857 and 1858. They were manufactured in England and were the same size as the legal tender coins of the period.

Click to enlarge. (77kb)

Click to enlarge. (70kb)


Obverse – At the centre is a crowned lion holding a shield bearing the Union Jack. Around this in two rings is the legend HIDE & DE CARLE GROCERS & WINE MERCHANTS ELIZABETH STREET MELBOURNE.		Reverse – A figure of Justice seated on bales and barrels, blindfolded and holding a set of scales in her right hand. In her left hand an inverted cornucopia spills fruit on the ground. In the background is a sailing ship. Above is the legend MELBOURNE, VICTORIA and 1858 is below.

Donated by Alfred Chitty, 1926