William Lutwyche, Copper Halfpenny Mule, 'Asylum' Edge Obv A Druid's head facing left within an oak wreath. Rev A figure of Vulcan seated; HALFPENNY above. In Ex: 1793 Y of HALFPENNY above the bar; period opposite the bar.The hammer nearly touches the E of HALFPENNY. Flat top to 3 of date. Edge AN ASYLUM FOR THE OPPRESS'D OF ALL NATIONS .X. (Atkins p. 284, 232a; D&H Anglesey 430a)
Crudely struck but better than VF for issue and rather rare.
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.