William Lutwyche, Halfpenny Mule, 1795 Obv Bust of Earl Howe facing left, 1793 below. Around the perimeter EARL HOWE & THE GLORIOUS FIRST OF JUNE 1795 . HALFPENNY . The queue points to the Y of HALFPENNY and the & is close to the E and T. Rev A ship under sail to right. Around the perimeter THE GUARD & GLORY OF BRITAIN Edge PAYABLE IN SUFFOLK BATH OR MANCHESTER (Atkins p. 371, 112c; D&H Hampshire 29c)
Almost 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 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.