Two George 111 counterfeit coins dating to 1817 - Coin Law origins?

These coins no doubt have their origins in the Corn Laws of 1815 which imposed tariffs on imported grain (wheat, barley oats etc). These laws were passed to keep grain prices high to support British 'farmers' - in essence the landed gentry, many of whom sat in the House of Commons.

These laws raised food prices by reducing the supply of cereal grain and thereby increased the cost of living for the British public. The passing of the Corn Laws led to rioting in London. Matters became worse in 1816 (referred to as ‘The ‘Year Without a Summer’) caused by the eruption of Mount Tambora in Indonesia, and consequent bad weather in the UK. Crop yields were disastrously reduced and riots were a consequence.

To try to make ends meet (and to be able to afford food) the production of counterfeit coins became a necessity for some. This is illustrated in the recent TV series, ‘The Gallows Pole’.

Various methods were used to produce counterfeit coins. The half-crown being sold here is made from low grade silver and weighs 9.5 grams whilst legitimate half-crown coins weighed c.14.4 grams. This 1817 George III silver half crown was found in the Thames near London Bridge by a mud-larker. Whether forged coins ended up in the river as casual losses, or were thrown away when someone found they had one in their purse, we will never know. Passing forged coins was illegal and punishable in court: the Counterfeiting Coin Act of 1741 made it high treason to counterfeit silver, copper or brass coins.

This is an interesting 19th century forgery – a social history artefact of the Georgian age in London. Condition – this coin would fit within the ‘Fine’ category of coins as used by numismatists. It is one grade higher than ‘Poor’ but of a lower standard than the other categories of ‘Very Fine’, ‘Extremely Fine’ ‘Uncirculated and 'Proof'.’ The coin is slightly bent (no doubt due to the thinness of the silver from which it was made). The date of 1817 is clearly visible

The other counterfeit coin (the last three photographs) is a shilling also dating to 1817. This is made from brass with a very thin layer of silver overlaying the brass. This thin coating of silver has been worn down over time to reveal in parts the brass underneath. 

Potasge is just to within the UK mainland. Delivery will be via UPS. These coins will be sent in an over-sized box to reduce the chances of the package going astray

Please see my other items which are predominantly 18th and 19th century in date