Melbourne 1851 1/2 penny token KM-Tn254
This specimen was lot 74133 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, February 2024), where it sold for $216. The catalog description[1] noted, "AUSTRALIA. Victoria. Melbourne. Thrale & Cross Copper 1/2 Penny Token, 1851. Victoria. PCGS EF-40. A wholesome example with even, brassy brown surfaces and strong details despite the mild handling." 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.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: copper.
Catalog reference: KM-Tn254.
- 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]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, February 2024 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2024.
Link to:
- Melbourne (1849) penny token KM-Tn16.1, Annand, Smith & Co.
- Melbourne 1851 1/2 penny token KM-Tn244, W. J. Taylor
- Melbourne 1854 1/2 penny token KM-Tn248, T. W. Thomas & Co.
- Coins and currency dated 1851