Model Coins

Joseph Moore was a noted Birmingham medallist (1817 - 1892) who trained under Halliday.  He was then in partnership as Allen & Moore (1840 - 1858) and the A&M initials are on many pieces of this period.  From 1859 onwards he was trading in his own name with the Moore business eventually being acquired by Fattorini & Sons in 1920.

In 1844 Moore produced models (patterns) of a bimetallic penny as a suggestion for a change in the currency of the realm by using lighter and smaller coins than the much heavier and larger "cartwheels" then still in general use.  Later, in 1847 / 1848 Moore's firm produced a range of model pieces ranging from 1/16th of a farthing (6mm diameter) through to the bimetallic half pennies and pennies and up to the very ornate crowns, also bimetallic, and quarter sovereigns.  The lower denominations were very small and not actual currency in force in the UK either at that time, or before or since.

The smaller pieces were probably produced to enhance his own expertise and to market the larger pieces and they have readily become collectable today as "Model Coins".  The bimetallic pennies - still seen in abundance today - were so popular with the general public that the Royal Mint had to make an official announcement that they were not legal tender.  Moore meant them to be serious models for consideration as currency and most have "Model" on them which probably saved Moore from prosecution under the Counterfeit Laws.

He also did much other work besides Model Coins - examples being the Windsor Castle box housing the six 8mm and two 10mm medalets of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their first six children, a series of other boxes to contain the model coins and a range of California models, which coincided with the gold rush of 1848/9.

Illustrations:

Useful References and Links:

The current reference book for Model Coins is Rogers "Toy Coins" published in 1990 by Galata Print, 01691 648765

David Magnay