A compulsory element of every collectors library, the Renniks Australian & NZ Token Values offers a compelling insight into life during the pivotal moment of Australias history as a nation the 19th century Gold Rush.

In the first century after European Settlement in 1788, the shortage of small change was a huge problem in colonial Australia. Essential for everyday transactions, the lack of lower denomination coinage became a full blown currency crisis during the Gold Rush.

In the first ten years after the discovery of gold in 1851, the population rose from 400,000 to over one million. This, combined with a dramatic increase in both wealth and commercial activity, meant that small change was more essential than ever. The currency crisis sparked an innovative response, with private businesses issuing Trade Tokens to facilitate trade. The popularity and widespread use of Trade Tokens was such that colonial authorities across Australia eventually banned their use, as the traders who issued these unofficial coins effectively challenged the governments sole right to issue currency. Today, Trade Tokens are sought after as genuine artefacts of the Gold Rush and the colonial period.

A sweeping overview of 19th century Trade Tokens, the Renniks Australian & NZ Token Values the leading modern reference on this fascinating area. A high-quality hardback publication, this key text features 127 pages, and is packed with a fantastic range of photographs, as well as providing information on the rarity and approximate value of Australian and New Zealand Trade Tokens.

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