Description
New South Wales, Sydney, J.C. Thornthwaite, Bronze One Penny Token (35mm) dated 1854. Obverse: Central floral design flanked by denomination “1 D”, inner legend “DIE SINKER · MEDALLIST ·” and border surrounds, outer legend around, “·J.C. THORNTHWAITE· BOURKE STREET SURRY HILLS”. Reverse: Coat of Arms at centre, legend around, “ADVANCE AUSTRALIA 1854”. A-579. Some typical weakness over centre although far less than is often seen; very well struck for the type and rare as such, seldom seen available for commerce and generally never seen available in such high grade. Very Fine to Extremely Fine.
Within the past decade, few Thornthwaite Pennies (A-579 type) have been offered, and even fewer in undamaged, legible condition; in 2013, an example was offered by Noble Numismatics that realized AU$1100 (approx. AU$1320 with buyer’s premium) – this example, although nice in its own right, is quite porous and pitted and with a graze across the reverse – it certainly has no bearing on the one offered here. As well, ours appears far superior in grade in comparison to the example showcased in the Victoria Museum collection.
J.C. Thornthwaite was the first person to manufacture tokens and medals in Australia – his tokens are noteworthy for the lack of clarity of detail in design because the dies were not cut deep enough and he lacked the tools to produce high quality tokens. Thornthwaite also worked as a medallist, particularly after tokens were made illegal in NSW in 1868. His work is a fine example of an early local Australian manufacturer and a nice insight into 19th century Australia.
Sold through Auction for the equivalent of AU3420.00.