William Lutwyche, Copper Halfpenny Mule, 1795 (D&H Middlesex 962)

William Lutwyche, Copper Halfpenny Mule, 1795 (D&H Middlesex 962)

Obv: A bust of the Prince of Wales in profile to right. Around the perimeter GEORGE PRINCE OF WALES No period after WALES. Extent of hairline to the second limb of C of PRINCE;

Rev: The crest of the Prince of Wales and motto ICH DIEN. 1795 HALFPENNY. below. Around the perimeter INDUSTRY IS THE PARENT OF SUCCESS;

Edge: PAYABLE IN LANCASTER LONDON OR BRISTOL (Atkins 377; 160, D&H Middlesex 962)

Choice uncirculated.

William Lutwyche, (1754-1801), toymaker, later token manufacturer, Temple Row and St Philip churchyard. Lutwyche was active in the production of tokens from 1791 until 1801 and seems to have had more individual commissions for than any other manufacturer. His output of more than 65 tons of "legitimate provincial coins" was exceeded only by that of Thomas Williams, the consortium of Westwood and Hancock, and that of Matthew Boulton. He frequently combined dies then in his possession to produce various mules, concocted numerous specious issues, and has been attributed with manufacturing the bulk of evasions and lightweight coppers that appeared toward the end of the 18th century.