Coins, Tokens and Historical Medals

A printed Proclamation by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Regent of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, in the Name and on the Behalf of His Majesty, given at Carleton House, 1 March 1817, authorising that Halfcrowns, Shillings and Sixpences “with a newly invented Graining on the Edge…be current and lawful Money of the Kingdom...”, printed by George Eyre and Andrew Strahan, “Printers to the King’s most Excellent Majesty”, 1817, 50 x 37.5cm. Minor foxing, otherwise very fine and extremely rare £1,500-£2,000

The new coinage to which the proclamation refers, at a reduced 66 shillings to the pound troy, was the direct result of the Coinage Act of 1816, which established Britain on the gold standard. Prior to the introduction of the new coins themselves, the Mint, under the indefatigable master William Wellesley Pole (1763-1845), was reorganised with new equipment and more staff. Production began in early July 1816 and coins were stockpiled. Distribution of the new coin, in batches of six £100 bags to individual country banks and exchange stations, began on 18 January 1817 and the stations opened on 13 February; closure followed two weeks later, after which the old silver coin was demonetised