Catalogo
| Emittente | Tasmania |
|---|---|
| Anno | |
| Tipo | Emergency coin |
| Valore | 1/2 Penny (1⁄480) |
| Valuta | Pound sterling (1788-1900) |
| Composizione | Copper |
| Peso | 8.8 g |
| Diametro | 28 mm |
| Spessore | 1.6 mm |
| Forma | Round |
| Tecnica | Milled |
| Orientamento | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | Andrews#100, R#109, Gray#61 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Text only |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | Latin |
| Legenda del dritto | WHOLESALE & RETAIL DRAPERY WAREHOUSE + BRISBANE ST. + HALF - E.F. DEASE - PENNY |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Ram hanging by ribbon with pineapple at top |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Latin |
| Legenda del rovescio | SIC VOS NON VOBIS VELLERA FERTIS OVES + |
| Bordo | Milled |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
ND - A100/R109 - |
| ID Numisquare | 3477602780 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: This 1/2 Penny token, issued by E.F. Dease of Launceston, Tasmania, addresses the acute shortage of official small change in mid-19th century colonial Australia. During Queen Victoria's reign, the British government struggled to supply adequate coinage, compelling private merchants like Dease, a draper and clothier, to issue their own currency. These tokens were vital for daily commerce, highlighting economic self-reliance and local initiative within the developing colony.
Artistry: The token's design reflects a utilitarian stylistic school, typical of commercial issues from this era. The specific engraver is unrecorded, likely an anonymous colonial die-sinker. The obverse prominently displays "E.F. DEASE," identifying him as a "DRAPER & CLOTHIER" in "LAUNCESTON TASMANIA." The reverse features the "HALF PENNY" denomination, often within a simple wreath or decorative border, demonstrating a clear, functional aesthetic.
Technical/Grading: Struck in copper, weighing 8.8 grams and measuring 28 millimeters, this token exhibits variable strike quality. High-points for wear assessment include the central lettering on both sides, such as "DEASE" and "HALF PENNY," the outer rim, and any wreath details. Evenness of strike is a key factor; weakness in peripheral legends or central elements due to die wear or insufficient pressure is common. Planchet quality is generally consistent.