William Lutwyche, Imitation Halfpenny of Thomas Worswick & Sons, 1794 Obv A bust of John of Gaunt facing left. Around the perimeter JOHN OF GAUNT DUKE OF LANCASTER * Center point of crown to the first limb of K of DUKE. Left point of crown under the T of GAUNT. Star has six points and is under the ermine. Period after legend. Rev A shield. Around the perimeter HALFPENNY 1794 The line of the shield to the second limb of H and base of Y of HALFPENNY. Lower point of shield between the 7 and 9 of date. Edge PAYABLE IN LANCASTER LONDON OR BRISTOL (Conder p.56, 13; Virt p.12; Atkins p. 57, 22; D&H Lancashire 43)
Nice 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.