Physical description

A coin that was issued by a Melbourne Marine store. Description by the Museums Victoria website. "Copper Halfpenny Token, minted by Heaton & Sons of Birmingham, circa 1861. Issued by Robert Hyde & Co, Marine Store, Melbourne. Hyde's Marine Store was listed in a Melbourne directory for the first time in 1862. Between 1863 and 1865 he was listed as being in a partnership with Richard Hodgson (Hyde, Hodgson & Co.). In 1868 his Marine Store became a Rag Merchant's business, before becoming a Marine Store for 1869 and 1870. The firm's principal business was dealing in second hand and scrap goods. Physical Description A round copper token (28 mm diameter) giving the name address and business of the issuer: Robert Hyde & Co. Melbourne. General Marine Store. On the reverse a coat of arms consisting of a central shield below a Rising Sun supported by an emu at left and kangaroo at right all resting on a ribbon with the motto ADVANCE AUSTRALIA. The shield is quartered and contains: upper left - a golden fleece; upper right - a three-masted sailing ship; lower left - a bull standing facing left; lower right an anchor. Around above, PEACE & PLENTY; below, the date of issue, 1861."