Shaping Our Identity: Finance

Tommy Dodds (Dods)- Penny Tokens
Old coins and trading tokens were uncovered by residents of Ipswich in gardens, backyards, in houses and on Denmark Hill in the early to mid 20th century.

Tommy Dodds, what they mean, Interesting historical review appeared in the Queensland Times on 10 April 1916. It revealed that "Tommy Dodds" were old Australian "advertisement pennies", which were issued when copper coins were scarce. Many storekeepers, merchants and businesses issued what was known as "bronze tokens". Apart from being a form of finance, they were also a good form of advertising.

In early 1922, a copper token (half-penny known as a "Tommy Dodd") was discovered on Dooner's road, off the Rosewood-road. The Queensland Times reported on 7 January that the token was "inscribed on one side with "John Pettigrew & Co., Ipswich, Wholesale and Retail General Merchants". On the other side was "Queensland, 1865, with the Australian Coat of Arms (emu, kangaroo, rising sun, etc) depicted." Pettigrew issued a half-penny and a penny.

It was unusual to find one in this type of location, but in 1924 a Tommy Dodd bearing the name John Pettigrew and Co, was discovered in East Street when renovations were being undertaken at T. L. Cooney's home.


For many years, traders tokens were an important part of currency. They were abolished in 1868, when Imperial bronze coin was made.

Businesses in Ipswich who had copper tokens

• F. F. Dease, wholesale and retail drapery warehouse, Brisbane Street.
• John Pettigrew & Co - General Merchant.
• T. H. Jones and Co- Ironmongers and General Importers.