Please explain why the 1806-07 pennies are considered the fourth issue

[SilverAge3 81]

Something I never quite figured out is why the George III penny 'fourth issues' are named thus? What am I missing besides the 1806-07, and cartwheel issues, other than several silver maundy issues? Or is it a scope larger than pennies, referring to SOHO issues, more generally?

Thanks for helping set me straight.

Edited January 3, 2024 by SilverAge3

[Rob 3,152]

George III coppers are divided into 4 discrete types by design. 1st issue comprises the halfpennies and farthings 1770-5 (no pennies) not struck in a collar; 2nd issue is the 1797 pennies and twopences (no currency halfpennies or farthings) - the 'Cartwheel' issues; 3rd issue is the 1799 halfpennies and farthings (no pennies) and 4th issue is the 1806-7 pennies, halfpennies and farthings (both with different portraits and reduced weights due to the copper price increase during the Napoleonic Wars).

[SilverAge3 81]

Ok thank you, so it is beyond the scope of just pennies. Much appreciated explanation.

[Peckris 2 2,145]

On 1/3/2024 at 1:51 PM, SilverAge3 said:

Ok thank you, so it is beyond the scope of just pennies. Much appreciated explanation.

Indeed - the first pennies were 1797 cartwheels - nothing before or after until 1806.