Provincial Tokens
Warwickshire Kempson's Birmingham DH 212

Owner Comments:

Warwickshire Birmingham DH #212
Obverse: A view of the Soho Works of Matthew Boulton SOHO MANUFACTORY. Ex: ERECTED. 1764.
Reverse: The Arms of the town of Birmingham MAKER OF BUTTONS - MEDALS & c BIRMINGHAM surrounding. P. KEMPSON above
Edge: Plain
Diesinker: Thomas Wyon
Manufacturer: Peter Kempson
Weight: 12.05g
Rarity: Common
Matthew Boulton was a general manufacturer in Birmingham. In 1762 he bought and refurbished some works at Soho on the outskirts of the town. In 1767 he became acquainted with James Watt who had settled at Soho in 1769, and a little later became a partner in the firm Bolton and Watt. In 1773 Boulton added an Assay Office to his business. The works were enlarged, and a coining mill was erected in 1788. This became the Soho Mint, producing many remarkable coins until 1850 when it was dismantled and sold to Ralph Heaton and Sons of Birmingham, who continued to produce coinage for many years. The Soho Mint was torn down in 1857 and nothing remains of this famous building.
One of Peter Kempson's series of 45 pieces featuring 27 Birmingham buildings made for collectors. In the 19th century medalist John Ottley used the obverse tokens from the series to strike his own version of 26 of the tokens.
Atkins: Warwickshire 149
Bt. Jerry Bobbe