Soho Mint

A mint was erected at the manufactory containing eight machines, to his own patent design,[2] driven by steam engine, each capable of striking 70 to 85 coins per minute.

[5] The common coinage, copper halfpennies, was subject to severe counterfeiting.

[2] In 1797 the first, and only, copper twopence and the first penny coins were produced under contract although the smaller denominations did not follow until later.

[6] These coins were comparatively large, having a broad raised rim with the inscription pressed below the surface and became known as the cartwheel pennies.

[7] The new copper coins were issued at the Soho Mint and by Charlotte Matthews in London who was the banker and business advisor to Watt and Boulton.