Learn About Thomas Wyon’s 1793 Washington Grate Token
Thomas Wyon designed a 1795 British copper Halfpenny token that utilized the bust of President Washington. It was designed for the London firm of Clark & Harris, who were exporters of and dealers in stoves and fireplace screens, also called Grates!
The obverse of this token has a smaller military bust of President Washington, facing right. Around the periphery is inscribed “G. WASHINGTON. THE FIRM FRIEND TO PEACE & HUMANITY.”
The reverse of this token has an ornate fireplace grate as the central vignette with the legend “PAYABLE BY CLARK & HARRIS 13. WORMWOOD St. BISHOPSGATE.” Below the Grate is the word “LONDON” and below that is the date “1793.”
This token was struck in both a Large Button and rarer Small Button varieties, referring to the buttons on President Washington’s military tunic that he is wearing. The Large Button variety comes with a plain edge or a lettered edge. The lettered edge states “PAYABLE AT LONDON, LIVERPOOL OR BRISTOL.”
This token was used in commerce in England but is widely collected as part of the American colonial coin collections.
All three varieties are available and collectible in a nice mid-grade.
| Date | Type | Mintage | Fine Value | Unc Value |
| 1795 | Large Buttons, Lettered Edge | 200 – 300 | $200 | $1,750 |
| 1795 | Large Buttons, Reeded Edge | 200-300 | $100 | $850 |
| 1795 | Small Buttons, Reeded Edge | 200-300 | $100 | $1,500 |
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