Jean-Pierre Droz (1746 - 1823) was a coin and medal engraver born in Switzerland and trained in Paris. Droz was most known for engraving the Napoléon coin at the Paris Mint. He was employed by the prominent English manufacturer and business man, Matthew Boulton (1728-1809) to improve Boulton's coin and medal quality.
Matthew Boulton pioneered the striking of coins within collars, thus ensuring uniformity of shape and size which had previously been unattainable in the production of British coinage. Boulton also experimented with the cutting of grooves in the collar, so that the resulting coins had a milled edge.
Many of the dates in the pattern halfpennies have the dates 1788 and 1790, but the success of the segmental collar was short lived as it was found to be too slow and difficult to use. Droz left after only two short years and Conrad Heinrick Kruchler became the chief die sinker at the Soho mint.
Sign up to hear from us about specials, sales, and events.
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies. Privacy Policy