Background: This 34mm dark toned copper penny token was struck privately because in the 19th century there was a shortage of copper coinage in New Zealand. Thus, private companies like the Auckland based United Service Hotel had high quality tokens produced to fill the gap.
The United Service Hotel was located at the corner of Queen and Wellesley Streets, Auckland. Despite being burned to the ground in a fire that swept through that section of the city in September 1873, the hotel was rebuilt and two penny varieties of tokens were issued from that address in 1874.
Obverse: Portrait of Queen Victoria facing left with
date at bottom an "Victoria Dei Gratia" round the outside
Lettering:
VICTORIA DEI GRATIA
1874
Engraver: William Wyon
Reverse Lettering:
CORNER QUEEN AND WELLESLEY STREET
UNITED SERVICE
HOTEL
• AUCKLAND, N.Z •
Edge: Smooth
Reference: Listed in 2012 Renniks Australian &
New Zealand Token Values as R#561 Rarity: R1
Condition: High collectible circulated grade with a
pleasing uncleaned dark even antique patina, some minor surface marks and a couple
of rim bumps as seen.
Will post Worldwide - £12.50 Tracked International
Shipping with Royal Mail