William Lutwyche, Copper Halfpenny Mule, 1795 (D&H Middlesex 985)

William Lutwyche, Copper Halfpenny Mule, 1795 (D&H Middlesex 985)

Obv: A bust of the Duke of York in profile to right, HALFPENNY 1795 below. Around the perimeter FREDK. DUKE OF YORK No period after YORK;

Rev: A ship under sail to left. Around the perimeter THE WOODEN WALLS OF OLD ENGLAND;

Edge: PAYABLE IN LANCASTER LONDON OR BRISTOL (Atkins 379; 178, D&H Middlesex 985)

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.