I have become quite interested in the English coinage issued during the time George III (1760 to 1820). I have noted that the British government issued gold coins, especially the guinea and half-guinea on a regular yearly basis until the time when the French revolutionists and Napoleon started trouble in Europe. The coinage of silver was very spotty. There was a shilling in 1763 and then no more until 1787. There were half shillings coined also coinage in 1787. Copper coinage was also spotty. There were half pennies from 1770 to 1776 and farthings from 1771 to 1775. After than the counterfeiters took over. This leaves the 1, 2, 3 and 4 pence silver coins that were issued from 1763 to 1800 with a lot of dates missing during that period. Were these pieces just Maundy coins, or did they have some influence on the economy? Given the start of the Condor tokens to fill in for the shortage of copper coins, where these small silver pieces of any importance? I would love to have those of you who know more than I weigh in. Thanks
The silver small coins from 1763 to 1800 are often mis-labelled as Maundy coins, but there is no doubt they were also for circulation. The level of wear on all denominations is far too high for them to be only collectables. They are fairly easy to collect in reasonable grades for most dates, though 1765 is very pricey. There is not much variation in the designs through this period, except the 1792 "wire money", where the numerals are drawn much thinner and in almost Italic form. After 1800 the emphasis is much more on Maundy, although I am not aware of a formal transition date. I think the introduction of the new large coppers in 1797, 1799, 1806 and 1807 made the old silver coins less necessary. Be aware that the 1763 shilling is much forged at present. I would not touch one on Ebay and even some of the supposedly knowledgeable auction houses and grading companies have been taken in. By the way, no one in the UK ever refers to the sixpence coin as a "half shilling"!
I would like to find a 1763 shilling. When I buy one, it's going to be high grade e.g. high end AU or low end Unc. The Spink guide notes the counterfeits, but they say mostly in low grade. I have large number of the George III type coins, but lack the 1763 shilling, the 1,2,3 and 4 pence coins, and the 4 reale coin with the small George III counterstamp. Thank you for your response!
Spink is a bit out of date when it says the 1763 counterfeits are low grade. Some recent ones are very high grade and difficult to spot. The errors are usually very small and need a lot of knowledge to spot.
Agree with Paddy, and I seem to recall some articles written abut the prevalence of many specimens, seemingly higher grade coming to market a decade or so ago. And the total specimens offered (including legit and spurious) also seems rather high. They are readily available.
