Renniks Australian & New Zealand Token Values - 1st Edition
Discover the fascinating world of Australasian tradesmen's tokens with Renniks Australian & New Zealand Token Values, the most comprehensive and visually detailed guide ever published on this subject. Edited by Michael T. Pitt, this essential reference brings together decades of numismatic research from leading experts Paul Bickerton, Mike Loy, and Simon Gray, following in the footsteps of pioneers D.H. Skinner and G C. Heyde.
Between 1849 and 1881, hundreds of privately issued copper tokens circulated across Australia and New Zealand. Created by merchants, publicans, and tradesmen to overcome chronic shortages of small change, these tokens became an everyday part of colonial life - each one a miniature record of enterprise and community spirit from the gold rush era.
This full colour volume catalogues every known issuer from Abraham, Lewis to White, Thomas & Son, and includes clear photographs of both obverse and reverse sides at actual size. Each entry features denomination, date, mint details, rarity rating (R1-R10), and accurate market valuations across all grades from Very Good to Uncirculated.
Additional chapters provide historical background on the use of unofficial coinage in the colonies, explain rarity and grading standards, and define important numismatic terms to assist both newcomers and experienced collectors. Conversion tables link the Renniks catalogue numbers with earlier Andrews and Stokes systems, ensuring compatibility with classic reference works.
Whether you are cataloguing a family collection, researching local history, or expanding your professional numismatic library, Renniks Australian & New Zealand Token Values is the definitive guide to these remarkable pieces of Australiana.
Key Features
- Complete listings and photographs of over 500 token types from Australia and New Zealand
- Market valuations based on major auction results and private treaty sales
- Detailed rarity scale and grading descriptions
- Cross-references to earlier catalogues for easy identification
- Historical essays on colonial coin shortages and token production
- Contributions from Australia's most respected token specialists
A must-have for collectors, historians, dealers, and museums alike, this book preserves an important chapter in the monetary and social heritage of Australasia.
ISBN: 978-0-9805248-9-5
Publisher: Renniks Publications, Sydney
Hardcover, 2012, 128 pages
