1797 George III Cartwheel Penny Value Guide

The 1797 George III Cartwheel Penny is a landmark of the Industrial Revolution, being the first British coin struck by steam power at Matthew Boulton's Soho Mint. Its massive size and weight were specifically designed to prevent counterfeiting and clipping, making it a cornerstone of 18th-century monetary reform.

What Is 1797 George III Cartwheel Penny Worth?

The typical price range for 1797 George III Cartwheel Penny is $75 - $120 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Surface condition is critical, as the soft copper is prone to edge knocks and heavy bruising due to its weight.
• The presence of original red luster significantly increases the value beyond the standard $75-$120 range.
• Clarity of the incuse lettering on the rim; worn examples often have faded or illegible legends.
• Evidence of environmental damage or 'bronzing' which can occur if the copper was stored in high humidity.

How to Identify 1797 George III Cartwheel Penny?

• Look for the distinctive wide, flat raised rims containing incuse (sunken) lettering rather than raised text.
• Verify the weight is approximately 28.3 grams (one ounce) with a diameter of 36mm.
• Check for the small 'SOHO' mint mark located on the rocks below Britannia's shield on the reverse.
• Confirm the obverse features the draped bust of King George III facing right with the date 1797 centered at the bottom.

History of 1797 George III Cartwheel Penny

The 1797 Cartwheel Penny was produced at the Soho Mint in Birmingham under Matthew Boulton. Struck in large diameter and heavy copper to clearly show value and discourage clipping, it represented a major late 18th-century improvement in British coinage production. The coins are popularly called Cartwheels because of their wide, thick form and plain rims. They are prized by collectors for their historical role in monetary reform and early industrial minting methods.