Cartwheel George III 2d 2oz coin
Name/Title
Cartwheel George III 2d 2oz coinEntry/Object ID
2025.1.64Description
A 1797 Cartwheel George III coin vale 2 pence 2ozContext
A 2oz version of the George III cartwheel coin. Created to combat counterfeiting, these coins were the first in England to be minted on a steam powered press. The steam coining press was developed by James Watt and the manufacturer Mathew Boulton at the Soho foundry in 1788. In 1797, the government agreed to let Boulton coin a penny and a two pence. Each denomination is perfectly round and the excellent craftsmanship eliminated counterfeiting. The wide raised rim led to the term 'cartwheel’. The copper penny was minted for two or three years, but continued to carry the date 1797.Category
Coins, Tokens and Medals or Awards