Description
Australian tradesman’s token, specifically a 1 Penny token issued by Hide & De Carle, Grocers & Wine Merchants in Melbourne, Victoria, dated 1855.
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Issuers: Hide & De Carle was a partnership of Thomas Hide and Edward De Carle, who ran a grocery, wine, and spirit merchant’s business on Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, from 1857 to 1861.
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Historical Context: These tokens were issued during a period of rapid growth in the Australian colonies following the gold rush, when there was a shortage of official coinage.
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Design: The obverse (front) of the token features a crowned lion standing with its paw on a shield, while the reverse (back) depicts a seated female figure representing Justice, along with a wine barrel and a sailing ship.
- Significance: These tokens provide a glimpse into colonial enterprise in the mid-19th century and reflect the economic conditions of the time.
