Watch List notes:

Centennial International Exhibition Melbourne, MDCCCLXXXVIII (1888), in silver (51mm) (C.1888/8), edge inscribed, 'James Toohey Esq. M.L.A.'. Hairlines and toning, otherwise nearly uncirculated.

James Toohey was born in Dublin, Ireland on 30 June 1837. He arrived in Victoria about 1860 and joined the firm of T. Toohey & Company dealing in wine and spirits operated by his brother Thomas and John Gleeson. After his brother died and Gleeson retired in 1882 James became sole proprietor of the firm then trading as James Toohey & Co.

James Toohey was also involved in politics and represented the electorate of Villiers and Heytesbury in the Legislative Assembly from 1 July 1880 until 1 March 1889. He died not long after on 19 September 1889.