William Lutwyche, Copper Halfpenny Mule Obv 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's robe curves upward and comes close to the outstretched arm of the woman. The H of FORTH some distance from the woman's head. Rev A bust in profile to left. Around the perimeter IOHN HOWARD F. R. S. HALFPENNY. Edge PAYABLE IN LANCASTER LONDON OR BRISTOL (Conder p.225, 125; Atkins p. 172, 30a; D&H Somersetshire 35a)
Likely as struck and from the terminal state of both dies, upon a generous planchet. 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 posession to produce various mules, concocted numerous specious issues, and has been attributed with manufacturing the bulk of evasions and lighweight coppers that appeared toward the end of the 18th century.