Catalog
1/2 Penny - I. Friedman Tasmania
| Issuer | Tasmania |
|---|---|
| Year | 1857 |
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| Value | 1/2 Penny (1⁄480) |
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| Obverse description | The obverse bears no central device, relying entirely on incuse lettering arranged within a beaded border. The merchant's name I. FRIEDMAN arcs along the upper periphery, while PAWNBROKER appears prominently across the centre field in bold raised capitals. The legend ARGYLE STREET curves along the lower periphery, completing the tradesman's address. The overall design is typographic in character, consistent with mid-nineteenth century Australian tradesmen's token practice. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | A seated figure of Justice is depicted facing left in the centre field, draped in classical robes and holding a balance scale in her outstretched left hand. To the lower left, a sailing ship rests on stylised waves at her feet, symbolising Tasmania's maritime trade. Additional emblems, including what appears to be a cornucopia or similar device, are visible to the lower right of the figure. The legend TASMANIA arcs around the upper periphery within a beaded border, and the date 1857 appears in the exergue below a horizontal line. |
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| Additional information |
Friedman's halfpenny token was issued during Tasmania's chronic small-change shortage of the 1850s, when the colonial government failed to supply sufficient regal coinage for everyday retail trade. I. Friedman operated as a merchant in Hobart, and like dozens of other traders across the Australian colonies, commissioned private copper tokens to facilitate transactions — effectively funding his own circulating currency out of commercial necessity. The Colonial Bank of Issue had been dissolved in 1843, and the gap was never adequately filled.
The three die varieties catalogued by Andrews and Rennik suggest multiple production runs, likely from a Melbourne or Sydney diesinker.