New Zealand c. 1870 G.L. Beath & Co, Drapers, Christchurch Penny Token VF

This bronze penny token was issued circa 1870 by G.L. Beath & Co, drapers of Christchurch, and minted by Stokes in Melbourne. The business was originally founded by Mr. Kirby in 1860, with George L. Beath joining in 1866. After Kirby’s departure, Beath partnered with his brother-in-law Frank Malcolm, trading under the G.L. Beath & Co. name until 1896.

Tokens like this were used to ease coin shortages and promote businesses. Beath and Malcolm expanded the store significantly, and in 1902 it became a limited liability company. Though Beath retired from day-to-day operations, he remained a director until his death in 1914. This token, simple in design, is a lasting relic of New Zealand’s commercial history and the practical ingenuity of 19th-century merchants.