The 1797 Britannia coin refers to the copper penny and twopence coins issued in Great Britain during the reign of King George III . These coins are famously known as the “Cartwheel” coins due to their large size and thick outer rim.
Here’s a summary of key information about the 1797 Britannia (Cartwheel) coins:
- Issuing Authority: King George III of Great Britain.
- Mint: These coins were not struck by the Royal Mint but by Matthew Boulton at his private Soho Mint in Birmingham.
- Denominations: Penny and Twopence.
- Metal: Copper. The intrinsic value of the copper was intended to be close to the face value of the coin.
- Obverse Design: Laureate portrait of George III and the inscription “GEORGIUS III D:G REX” (George III, by the Grace of God, King).
- Reverse Design: Seated Britannia holding an olive branch and trident, with a shield and a ship in the background, and the word “BRITANNIA” and the date 1797. The designer was Conrad Heinrich Küchler.
- Nickname: “Cartwheel” due to their size and thick raised rim.
- Historical Significance: These were the first copper pennies circulated in Britain and were minted on a steam-powered press, an innovation at the time. They were issued to address a coin shortage and combat counterfeiting.
- Rarity: The penny is a very common piece, and the twopence is not particularly hard to find, as millions were minted. However, the twopence was a one-year issue and not continued due to its size and propensity for damage.
- Value: Prices for these coins vary depending on their condition and grade. Examples listed for sale online range from around $10 to several hundred dollars, with higher-grade examples fetching higher prices.
The 1797 Britannia coins are considered important historical pieces, representing a significant period in British coinage and the introduction of new minting technology.
How much is a 1797 coin worth?
Great question! 1797 Liberty Coin Value
According to the NGC Price Guide, as of August 2025, a Liberty Coin from 1797 in circulated condition is worth between $1600 and $34500. However, on the open market 1797 Silver Dollars in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $480000.
Is a Britannia coin rare?
One of the rarest £2 coins struck for circulation, this coin is often sought after by collectors. In 1987, as Britain required a one-ounce British gold bullion coin to compete with the South African Krugerrand and USA Eagle, Britannia was hoisted into the spotlight as The Royal Mint issued the gold Britannia coin.