Description
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In the mid-19th century, there was a shortage of small change in Australia. To meet demand, private merchants and businesses issued copper tokens that circulated widely as halfpennies and pennies.
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Thomas Stokes, a die-sinker and medallist based in Melbourne, was one of the most prolific token issuers.
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Stokes struck tokens for many businesses across Victoria and beyond, usually carrying the merchant’s name on one side and a Stokes stock design (such as “Advance Victoria” or classical motifs) on the other.
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Tokens were made in copper or bronze, sometimes gilt, and circulated until they were demonetised by government order in 1868.
The 1862 Stokes Tokens
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Date: 1862 is one of the most common years seen on Stokes issues.
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Obverse: Usually the merchant’s details (e.g., “T. Stokes / Medallist / Melbourne”).
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Reverse: May feature stock designs such as:
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The “Advance Victoria” motif with crown and Southern Cross.
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Wreaths, shields, or symbolic figures.
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Many varieties exist — die alignments, lettering, punctuation, and edge types can all differ.
