1806 GB GEORGE III PENNY
£50.00
k1806 Great Britain Penny – George III, Soho Mint Issue
KM# 663 Spink 3780 Peck 1343
This 1806 copper penny is a classic example of early 19th-century British coinage, struck at the renowned Soho Mint in Handsworth, Birmingham, under the direction of industrialist Matthew Boulton. It features the laureate and draped bust of King George III, facing right, designed by Conrad Heinrich Küchler. The obverse legend reads “GEORGIUS III · D:G · REX.”, translating to “George III, by the Grace of God, King.”
The reverse depicts Britannia seated left, holding a trident and olive branch, with a Union Shield resting beside her and a ship sailing in the background — a powerful symbol of Britain’s naval strength and imperial reach. The word “BRITANNIA” arches above, and the mint name “SOHO” is subtly engraved on the rock to the right of Britannia’s figure.
- Metal: Copper
- Weight: 18.9 grams
- Diameter: 34–35 mm
- Edge: Diagonally milled
- Mint: Soho Mint, Birmingham
- Mintage: Not precisely recorded, but struck in large numbers for circulation
- Condition: Nice overall with strong detail and even tone (VF to EF range)
- Price: £50
This issue is part of the Fourth Coinage of George III, produced between 1806 and 1808. It marked a turning point in British minting, showcasing the precision and mechanisation of Boulton and Watt’s steam-powered presses. These coins were struck to a high standard and circulated widely, but many were later melted or worn down, making well-preserved examples increasingly desirable.
Collectors value the 1806 penny for its historical context, industrial innovation, and bold design. It’s a cornerstone piece for any collection of Georgian or pre-Victorian copper coinage.
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1806 penny, George III penny, KM 663, Spink 3780, Soho Mint, copper coin, Britannia reverse, Conrad Küchler, Boulton a1806
