UK- John Wilkinson, Medals & Provincial Coins , MONETA

November 2024

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John Wilkinson Iron Master (copper too!), Warwickshire, Birmingham variety of 1790's (ND) plain edge. Obverse as D&H 439 (no period after 'R'). Reverse features a seated MONETA holding her double-pan balance scales and bracing a cornucopia that is spilling her product - COINS. Behind, to her left, a shield leans against a pedestal with the words "ENGRAVING / & DIE / SINKING. Legend: MEDALS & PROVINCIAL COINS *; w/ DEA PECUNIA in exergue.
Many references indicate the reverse seated figure is 'Justice,' because of the balance scale. However, the DEA PECUNIA and the cornucopia full of coins clearly means the figure is of MONETA, Roman goddess of coinage and the mint, etc. This particular die is also seen as the obverse of a token by Lutwyche featuring the reverse figures of the conjoined busts of George III and Queen Charlotte, and one showing a coinage screw press. Doing further research; an article entitled "The Trade Tokens of John Wilkinson" (reprint in The "Conder"Tokens Collector Journal, Vol V, Issue 18, 2000) this is considered a Wilkinson counterfeit, and it seems clear that it was manufactured by the engraver and die sinker himself, Lutwyche.