Sweetheart brooch made from three Australian threepences - 1910

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c. 1910

Overview

Australian sweetheart brooch featuring three sterling silver 1910 Australian threepence coins seamlessly joined together in a horizontal row.
The left and right coins are positioned to display the reverse side of the coin showing the Commonwealth Coat of Arms. This depicts a kangaroo and an emu either side of a central shield, with the Federation star above and the year '1910' embossed at the bottom.
It includes the word 'THREEPENCE' and a scroll reading 'ADVANCE AUSTRALIA'.
The central coin is flipped to display the obverse side, featuring the right-facing portrait bust of King Edward VII, with the legend 'EDWARDVS VII D:G:BRITT:OMN:REX F:D:IND:IMP' around the circumference.
A flat, rectangular piece of silver is attached across the reverse of the three coins to hold them together. Triangular notches have been cut out of the metal to follow the curve of the coins and make the back plate invisible from the front.
There is a pin clasp for attachment.

Historical information

Brooches of this style were highly popular in Australia during the early 20th century, particularly around World War One, when servicemen would fashion or purchase them as 'sweetheart tokens' for loved ones back home. The choice of 1910 coins holds historical importance as it marks the very first year Australia minted its own independent national currency.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW01064

Item type

Badges

Coins

Collectibles

Ephemera

Jewellery

Personal Effects

Souvenirs

Themes