1 Penny Somerville, M. - Auckland
1857 year| Copper | 16 g | 34 mm |
| Issuer | New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Type | Token |
| Year | 1857 |
| Value | 1 Penny = 1⁄12 Shilling = 1⁄240 Pound |
| Currency | Trade tokens (1857-1881) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 16 g |
| Diameter | 34 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | 1933 |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#28061 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 76% |
Reverse
Script: Latin
Lettering:
M.SOMERVILLE
WHOLESALE
FAMILY GROCER
CITY MART
AUCKLAND
Comment
Andrews Catalogue numbers: R#481 = A#497, R#482 = A#498, R#483 = A#499, R#484 = A#500Rarity: R#481 = R2 - Very Frequently Seen, R#482 = R1 - Most Frequently Seen, R#483 = R3 - Frequently Seen, R#484 = R3 - Frequently Seen
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Token 1 Penny (Somerville, M. - Auckland) 1857 from New Zealand made of Copper weighing 16g is that it was issued during a time when there was a severe shortage of official currency in New Zealand, particularly in the Auckland region. As a result, private tokens like this one were issued by local businesses and merchants to fill the gap and facilitate trade. This coin is a rare example of a privately issued token that has survived to this day, providing a unique glimpse into the economic history of New Zealand during the mid-19th century.
