Description
Robert Hyde & Co., Melbourne token(s)
What is it
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A trade / merchant token issued in Melbourne, Victoria by Robert Hyde & Co., General Marine Store. They traded in second-hand goods: rags, glass, metals, etc.
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Two main issue years are known: 1857 and 1861.
Design and Physical Details
Here are specs for one of the better documented examples (the 1857 penny issue), plus notes about variants.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Denomination | 1 Penny (also there are half-penny versions) |
| Date | 1857 (also 1861) |
| Material | Copper |
| Diameter | ~ 34 mm (penny) |
| Weight | ~ 14.68 g |
| Edge | Plain (no reeding) |
Obverse & Reverse Details
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Obverse (front):
The central legend: GENERAL / MARINE / STORE / – / SHIPPERS OF / RAGS GLASS / METALS &c. Surrounding that (in a rim border) “ROBERT HYDE & CO” above; “MELBOURNE” below. Reverse (back): -
Features a Coat of Arms: Rising Sun above the shield, supported by an emu (left) and a kangaroo (right), motto “ADVANCE AUSTRALIA” on a ribbon. Shield is quartered: (UL) Golden Fleece; (UR) three-masted sailing ship; (LL) a bull; (LR) an anchor. Around the top: “PEACE & PLENTY”, date below (e.g. “1857” or “1861”).
Varieties & Interesting Points
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Different obverse dies and reverse dies were used across the issues. Eg, in 1857 vs 1861, and in penny vs half-penny. The position of the “&” in the legend is used as a quick identifier of certain dies.
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In 1868, Robert Hyde & Co had shifted somewhat: the store was listed as rag merchant, etc. Their business shifted over time.
