Object of the month – February 2025

Two Cartwheel Pennies


These two coins, called cartwheel pennies, date from 1797 in the reign of George III. One (the penny) was used as 1oz weight, and the other (a two penny piece) as 2oz weight at
The Jolly Sailor, Wellington Street, Thame, in about 1914.

They are called cartwheel pennies because of their large size and wheel-like rim. They were designed this way to prevent forgeries and reduce wear and tear.

One side of the coins shows the head of George III and the reverse features the figure of Britannia, holding a trident.  The Latin inscription reads BRITANNIA : 1797 : GEORGIUS III : DG REX, which translates as ‘George III by the grace of God King’.

The pub at 54 Wellington Street was originally called the Sailor’s Return, then became the Jolly Sailor in the 1850s. It was badly damaged by fire in 1905 but was rebuilt. In 1985 and became a popular destination for several entertainers from London, including Larry Grayson and Danny La Rue. The name was changed to the Wellington Hotel and it finally closed down in 1994



The two coins are part of the ‘Thame Banks’ display in the Museum Reception.  They are well worn but the images below show how they would have appeared in mint condition.

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