William Lutwyche, Copper Halfpenny Mule, 1795 (D&H Middlesex 977)

William Lutwyche, Copper Halfpenny Mule, 1795 (D&H Middlesex 977)

Obv: A three-quarter bust facing slightly to left. Around the perimeter PRINCESS OF WALES. No earing in left ear;

Rev: The crest of the Prince of Wales above a portcullis, 1795 below. Around the perimeter HALF PENNY Large crest, thick numbers in date. The lower ring in the chains terminates opposite the lowest bar of the portcullis;

Edge: milled (D&H Middlesex 977)

Near gem 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.