Search the collections
Surcharged Token - 'M.N.' on 1 Penny, J. McFarlane, Wholesale & Retail Grocer, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, circa 1851
Reg. No: NU 18772
Previous Page
Next Page
- Summary:
- Copper One Penny Surcharged Token minted by an unknown British mint. Issued by J. McFarlane, Wholesale & Retail Grocer, in Melbourne, Victoria, circa 1851. Surcharged M.N. circa 1857.
McFarlane arrived in Melbourne in 1841 and sent goods to the goldfields during the rushes, in addition to his business in the city. He was probably the second Melbourne merchant to issue tokens. McFarlane appeared before the insolvents court in 1956 but reopened his business a few weeks later. - Description:
- A round copper token (34 mm diameter) giving the name address and business of the issuer: J. McFarlane, corner Elizabeth and Lonsdale Streets Melbourne, wholesale and retail grocer. The reverse features a female figure standing, facing. She holds an olive branch raised in her right hand and rests her left on the head of a gambolling lamb. A tame lion steps from behind her below the olive branch. This token has been surcharged M.N.
- Acquisition Information:
- Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), 1976
| Discipline: | Numismatics |
| Dimensions: | 34 mm (Diameter) |
| Weight: | 17.23 g (Weight) |
More information
| Tagged with: | grocers, retail trade, retailing, surcharged tokens, wholesale trade |
| Themes this item is part of: | J. McFarlane, Wholesale & Retail Grocer, Melbourne, Victoria, Numismatics & Philately Collection, Working Life & Trades Collection, Alfred Chitty Collection |
| Primary Classification: | TRADE TOKENS |
| Secondary Classification: | Australia - Victoria |
| Tertiary Classification: | surcharged strikes |
| Series: | Trade Tokens |
| DateEra: | circa 1851 AD |
| Denomination: | 1 Penny |
| Obverse Description: | At centre in 3 lines; J. McFARLANE / WHOLESALE & RETAIL / GROCER around, CORNER OF ELIZABETH & LONSDALE STS . MELBOURNE . |
| Reverse Description: | The reverse features a female figure in long flowing dress standing, facing. She holds an olive branch raised in her right hand and rests her left on the head of a gambolling lamb. A tame lion steps from behind her below the olive branch. ; around, PEACE AND PLENTY This token has been surcharged M.N. |
| Edge Description: | Plain |
| Inscriptions: | Obverse: J. McFARLANE WHOLESALE & RETAIL GROCER CORNER OF ELIZABETH & LONSDALE STS. MELBOURNE Reverse: PEACE AND PLENTY surcharged M.N. |
| Shape: | round |
| Material: | Copper |
| Issued By: | J. McFarlane, Wholesale & Retail Grocer, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1850-1851 |
| Previous Collection: | Mr Alfred Chitty |
| References: |
Brief bio. of J. McFarlane by Gardner, F., originally published in The Australian Storekeepers and Traders Journal, c.1910 - 1914, republished in The Australian Coin Review, June 1970, p. 17.; The Argus, 16 December 1856, p.5 (photocopy) - record of insolvency meeting 15/12/1856; Sharples, J., "Catalogue of Victorian Trade Tokens' in Journal of the Numismatic Association of Australia, Vol. 7, December 1993, pp.49 - 50. Records indicate that McFarlane was in business at this address in 1850 and 1851. He was probably the second Melbourne merchant to issue tokens (the first being Annand, Smith & Co. in 1849). Sharples JNAA.7, p. 49 |
| Bibliography: |
|
Themes
This item is part of the following themes:
Add your question or comment