1/2 Penny - E.F. Dease Launceston: Tasmania

発行体 Tasmania
年号
種類 Emergency coin
額面 1/2 Penny (1⁄480)
通貨 Pound sterling (1788-1900)
材質 Copper
重量 8.8 g
直径 28 mm
厚さ 1.6 mm
形状 Round
製造技法 Milled
向き Coin alignment ↑↓
彫刻師
流通終了年
参考文献 Andrews#100, R#109, Gray#61
表面の説明 Text only
表面の文字体系 Latin
表面の銘文 WHOLESALE & RETAIL DRAPERY WAREHOUSE + BRISBANE ST. + HALF - E.F. DEASE - PENNY
裏面の説明 Ram hanging by ribbon with pineapple at top
裏面の文字体系 Latin
裏面の銘文 SIC VOS NON VOBIS VELLERA FERTIS OVES +
Milled
鋳造所
鋳造数 ND - A100/R109 -
Numisquare ID 3477602780
追加情報

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.

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