George III 1760 - 1820

In 1799 for the first time the Halfpenny coins were struck on a steam driven press. The invention of James Watt and Mathew Boulton. The coins were thicker than the previous coins, had a high rim and a beaded edge. You have the bust of King George III on one side and a seated figure of Britannia on the other side. The coins are struck in copper rather than the later ones which used bronze. It was a relatively common coin because it was the second lowest denomination made. But over the years the supplies have dried up. From a Midlands dealer we were able to buy a nice parcel. They are used but in Very Good. Remember they are the first Halfpennies struck on a steam press and this design was used for only one year 1799.

1799 Halfpenny in Fine. The first Halfpennies struck on a steam press.

During the reign of King George III there was a great shortage of small change. The last type of Halfpenny issued for this Monarch were struck in 1806 and 1807. We recently purchased a nice group of the 1806 issue, the first year of issue in Fine and Very Fine condition. You have the bust of King George III dressed as a Roman on one side and the seated figure of Britannia on the other side. These were the last copper George III halfpennies issued. After the Currency Reform Act of 1816, they didn’t bother to issue any halfpennies.

During the reign of King George III there was a great shortage of small change. The last type of Halfpenny issued for this Monarch was struck in 1806 and 1807. We recently purchased a nice group of the 1806 issue, the first year of issue in Fine and Very Fine condition. You have the bust of King George III dressed as a Roman on one side and the seated figure of Britannia on the other side. These were the last copper George III halfpennies issued. After the Currency Reform Act of 1816, they didn’t bother to issue any halfpennies.

The coinage of King George III is rather strange, it is broken up into two sections, before the Currency Reform Act and after the Currency Reform Act. This Act was passed because of the shortage of coins, which the King because of his illness refused to allow to be made. So what did they do, after the Currency Reform Act of 1816 they struck Silver coins but did not bother to strike copper coins…! So the last design of King George III Halfpennies was issued in 1806 and 1807. It has the King’s bust with lauriate wreath on one side and a seated Britannia on the other side. These are the last George III Halfpences ever to be struck and they were struck in copper. In Very Good condition, which means that they have seen considerable wear