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

In 1816, they changed our coinage system completely. Gone was the Guinea and in was the Sovereign. The Shilling was one of the first of the new coins to appear. This first new shilling was issued from 1816-1820 with the portrait of King George III. They were struck in Sterling Silver and are now over 200 years old. We have examples of this coin in different grades. Dates will be of our choice but the more you order the more different dates we will try and give you. Remember this is the FIRST of the new coinage…

George III’s reign covered a crucial period in British history, which included the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars. In 1816, The British economy was in a state of transition, it was a time of rebuilding and economic stabilization for Britain after the long and costly wars against France. The shillings of 1816 serve as a tangible artifact, minted during a time of historical significance as they marked the introduction of Britain’s new coinage in 1816, as well as reflecting the historical context of the post-Napoleonic era. We’ve been putting aside high-grade examples of these fabulous 1816 shillings for a while and are delighted to offer them to you in Choice Uncirculated, we only have 17 in stock so get one while stocks last.

George III Bull Head (1816-1820) Shilling offered in Fair. Dates will be of our choice, but the more coins you order the more dates we will try to give you.

In 1816 the Currency Reform Act came into force, which allowed coins to be struck even without the Monarch’s permission. This was put into place because of King George III’s illness and the shortage of small change. From 1816 on, new designs, new weights, new everything. These are the first of the new Sterling Silver Shillings issued from 1816-1820. You have the bull head of the King on one side and a crowned shield on the other side. Even in this grade supplies are limited.

With beautiful blue and maegenta peripheral toning.