© mike c (CC BY-SA)
© mike c (CC BY-SA)
½ Penny - Hide and De Carle 1857 Melbourne; Victoria
1857 year| Copper | - | 28 mm |
| Issuer | Victoria (Australian States) |
|---|---|
| Queen | Victoria (1837-1901) |
| Type | Token |
| Year | 1857 |
| Value | ½ Penny (1⁄480) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1788-1900) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Diameter | 28 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#415152 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 93% |
Reverse
Seated woman holding scales, ship bottom left.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
MELBOURNE, VICTORIA.
1857
Comment
This series is complex, Four types:
G107 - 1857 Penny
G108 - 1857 Half penny
G109 - 1858 Penny
G110 - 1859 Half Penny
G108 series 1857 Dated ½ penny
G108 A232/ R224 - Obv 1; Rev A
G108a A233/ R225 - Obv 2; Rev B
G108b A234/ R226 - Obv 2; Rev A
Rarity: R4; R2; R3
Obv 1: Lions Paw at top of E
Obv 2: Lions Paw at bottom of E
Rev A: Scale pans level with bottom of E
Rev B: Scale pans level with top of E
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the A Token ½ Penny - Hide and De Carle 1857 (Melbourne; Victoria) 1857 from Victoria (Australian States) made of Copper is that it was used as a form of currency during a time when there was a shortage of official currency in Victoria, Australia. The coin was issued by a private company, Hide and De Carle, and was accepted as legal tender by many merchants in Melbourne. This coin is a rare example of a privately issued currency that was used in a specific region, and it highlights the resourcefulness and resilience of the people of Victoria during a time of economic hardship.
