1797 Penny Cartwheel - Museum Gallery

June 2025

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This is a seldom seen, very rare 1797 copper cartwheel penny pattern in proof, somewhat cameo condition! Most all 1797 proofs are bronzed and therefore quite dark. This outstanding proof is unbronzed copper that is overlayed with gorgeous soft tones of golden reds and sky blues; just stunning. Laureate bust with 'K.': on shoulder (for Kuchler, the portrait engraver working for Boulton). RX: 10 leaves and 2 berries in the wreath; Ship shows 6 ports, four widely separated stays from foremast to bowsprit, three 'rings' rather than solid dots appear on the rock behind Britannia. Peck 1119, rated as VERY RARE. Late Soho. George III. 35.9mm, 3.5mm thick (or 1.4" dia.; 17 coins= 2 feet). Provenance: Stacks mail bid sale, Lot # 490. This coin is not located in the Moneta Temple and sold for $1200+ in 02/06.
VIEW & DOWNLOAD:
Articles on the "Cartwheel" coinage of Great Britain and Matthew Boulton are linked here:
Cartwheel Penny of 1797 - Thompson: /library/Cartwheel%20Penny%20of%201797%20-%20Thompson.pdf
Cartwheel of Boulton & Watt - Schraeder: /library/Cartwheel%20of%20Boulton%20&%20Watt%20-%20Schraeder.pdf
Britain's Cartwheel Penny: /library/Britains_Cartwheel.pdf
M. Boulton - Father of the Mechanized Press: /library/Boulton%20-%20Father%20of%20the%20Mechanized%20Press.pdf