Hobart 1855 penny token KM-Tn7
This specimen was lot 776 in Goldberg Sale 150 (Los Angeles, February 2026), where it sold for $120. The catalog description[1] noted, "Australia. Penny Token, 1855. Struck by draper Lewis Abrahams in Hobart, Tasmania. Light scratches on reverse. Sharpness of About Uncirculated." Filling a shortage of coinage in the expanding economy, private tokens flourished until finally being banned in the 1870's. The SCWC lists nearly three hundred varieties. Today most are very scarce. While half penny tokens were very common in Great Britain (especially the Conder tokens), most Australian tokens were of the penny denomination, perhaps a result of higher prices. Varieties exist. This token was struck at the Heaton Mint in Birmingham. A half penny token (KM Tn6) also exists.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: copper, 34 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-Tn7.
- McDonald, Greg, The Pocket Guide to Australian Coins and Banknotes, 23rd ed., Lavington, Australia, 2017.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Pitt, Michael, Renniks Australian Coin and Banknote Values, 32nd Edition, Matraville, New South Wales, Australia: Renniks Publications, 2023.
- [1]Goldberg, Ira, Stephen Harvey and Vera Kan, Goldberg Sale 150: Pre-Long Beach Auction, featuring United States, Ancient & World Coins, Medals & Currency, Los Angeles: Goldberg Coins and Collectibles, 2026.
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