William Gye, Commercial Halfpenny, 1794 (D&H Somersetshire 34) Obv The shield of arms, supporters and crest of the City of Bath; 1794 below. Around the perimeter W. GYE PRINTER & STATIONER BATH Bends on the shied. Rev A female seated instructing a boy with a key to unlock the prison doors. GO FORTH radiated above. Around the perimeter REMEMBER THE DEBTORS IN ILCHESTER GOAL The boy has no robe over his shoulder. Edge PAYABLE AT W. GYE'S PRINTER BATH X.X (Conder p.132, 14; Pye p.5 ,7; Virt p.50; Atkins p. 172, 29; D&H Somersetshire 34)

Substantial die polish evident. Choice, uncirculated, or nearly so.

William Gye, (1750-1799) bookseller and printer, 4 Westgate Buildings, later 13 Market Place, Bath; and agent to the debtors at Ilchester gaol.