1806 Halfpenny – George III

The 1806 Halfpenny - George III

There had been a need for a circulation halfpenny since the reign of Charles II but due to the (relatively) high production costs mintage was sporadic. In 1797 the Royal Mint asked Matthew Boulton to produce copper coins at his Soho Mint in Birmingham and the Fourth Issue coinage included the halfpenny (and also twopence, penny and farthing).

The 1806 halfpenny had a diameter of 30mm and weight of 12.6g. The design was in production from 1806 to 1807. SCBC: 3781.

There are a number of interesting variants. On the main reverse the olive branch may have no berries or 3 berries. The 3 berries is more expensive. The word SOHO may appear on the Reverse. Besides this, the coin was manufactured in a Copper Proof, Bronze Proof, Gilt Proof and a very rare Silver Proof, all of which are considerably more expensive than the normal copper coin.

The Obverse, by Conrad Heinrich Küchler, had the image of King George III facing right, laureated but with shorter hair than in the previous designs.

The Reverse, also by Conrad Heinrich Küchler, shows Britannia seated holding a trident and shield on her left, and holding an olive branch with her right hand. Legend "BRITANNIA" above. A ship is to the left in the background. You may see the word "SOHO" below and to the right of the shield.

Image credit: The Royal Mint

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