Martin & Sach operated one of Adelaide's more substantial ironmongery businesses during the copper boom years, and their 1863 token was issued at a moment when the colonial government had still not resolved the chronic small-change shortage plaguing South Australian trade. British regal copper was scarce and hoarded; merchants filled the gap themselves. The Andrews and Renniks references both catalogue this piece, with Gray's 176b designation distinguishing a specific die pairing within the broader Martin & Sach token family.
Martin & Sach operated one of Adelaide's more substantial ironmongery businesses during the copper boom years, and their 1863 token was issued at a moment when the colonial government had still not resolved the chronic small-change shortage plaguing South Australian trade. British regal copper was scarce and hoarded; merchants filled the gap themselves. The Andrews and Renniks references both catalogue this piece, with Gray's 176b designation distinguishing a specific die pairing within the broader Martin & Sach token family.