Description
What it is
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The token is actually a bronze medal / advertising token issued in 1890 by Henry Marcus Clark, founder of the drapery business “Marcus Clark & Co.”, in Newtown, Sydney.
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It’s described in several sources as “Marcus Clark, the Great Southern Draper, Newtown, Sydney N.S.W.” with the obverse showing a bust of Marcus Clark, and the reverse around the edge and centre with the inscription including “B & R London”, which is presumably the mint in London that struck it.
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Physical attributes: about 20 mm in diameter (or ~19-20 mm depending on the example), weight ~2.49 to 2.57 grams, made of bronze, milled or reeded edge.
Historical background
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Henry Marcus Clark (1859-1913) started Marcus Clark & Co. in 1883 when he acquired a drapery business in Newtown. It eventually became a large retail chain in New South Wales.
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The token was likely issued as a promotional or advertising piece (“trade token / medal”) rather than legal tender. It commemorated or advertised his “Great Southern Draper” business in Newtown.
Design details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Obverse (front) | Bust of Marcus Clark facing right, with inscription “MARCUS CLARK. 1890”. |
| Reverse (back) | Legend around and in centre: “THE GREAT SOUTHERN DRAPER / NEWTOWN / SYDNEY / N.S.W.” and “B & R LONDON” in small letters. |
| Edge | Reeded (milled) edge. |
