George III Era 'Cartwheel' One Penny Token or Heavily Circulated Copper Coin
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic) · The Soho Mint (Matthew Boulton), Birmingham, England
Pattern: Great Britain One Penny (George III 1797-style emission)
Type
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic)
Maker
The Soho Mint (Matthew Boulton), Birmingham, England
Material
Copper (Pure); non-silver material
Dimensions
Approx. 36mm diameter, originally weighing 1 ounce (approx. 28.3 grams).
Description
A significantly worn copper penny from the George III era, characterized by its wide, thick rims which earned it the nickname 'Cartwheel.' Once a symbol of industrial precision at the Soho Mint, this piece now shows nearly total loss of detail due to over a century of circulation or environmental corrosion.
Key Features
Extra-thick raised rim, central recessed silhouette, pure copper composition, large diameter relative to modern currency.
Material & Composition
Copper (Pure); non-silver material
Finish & Decoration
Original raised borders (ghosted), heavily worn obverse and reverse, featuring a faint silhouette of Britannia or the Monarch's profile.
Hallmarks & Stamps
None; utilizes coinage dies rather than silversmithing hallmarks.
Construction Details
Die-struck on a steam-powered screw press (industrial manufacture).
Functional Features
Planchet intended as legal tender or merchant token; currently a pocket-worn relic.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; handheld numismatic object.
Craftsmanship Details
Reflects the early high-relief die-striking techniques of Matthew Boulton and James Watt's steam presses.
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive diameter-to-thickness ratio unique to Soho Mint emissions; oxidation color typical of 200-year-old pure copper.
Origin & Manufacturing
Great Britain (Birmingham), Soho Mint.
Era & Period
Late Georgian / Industrial Revolution (c. 1797-1820).
Age Estimate
Circa 1797-1805 based on the 'Cartwheel' planchet style and wear.
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition from hand-struck to machine-manufactured currency during the early Industrial Revolution.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair; substantial surface oxidation, smoothed-off details, edge dings, and heavy overall wear (ghosted surfaces).
Value Estimate
$2 - $10 USD (high circulation wear and lack of numismatic detail).
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry; do not clean with abrasives or acids; store in a PVC-free numismatic holder to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
1797 Twopence (larger, 2oz), 1806 Penny (smaller weight), various 19th-century copper tokens.
Interesting Facts
These coins were the first to be struck by steam power and were designed to have their weight in copper equal their face value to prevent counterfeiting.