1 Penny - Milner and Thompson Small Series - Christchurch

Milner & Thompson operated as drapers in Christchurch during the 1850s token period, when the chronic shortage of small change in Canterbury Province forced merchants to issue their own copper pieces rather than wait on a colonial government still finding its administrative footing. The so-called Small Series distinguishes this type from the larger-diameter pieces the firm also issued — a practical response to public complaints that the heavier tokens were cumbersome for everyday transactions.