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Extracts of letters from Mr Boulton to Mr Droz.
No. 14 March 7, 1787.
I have sent you a new shilling which proves that you excell our engravers as much as the light of the sun excells that of the moon.
shilling first ordered
It is essential that you sink a die with the head of the King of England either of the size of your ecu or the shilling I send to you. I think the second can be done with the greatest expedition & I wish you to send me 20 or 30 of the peices when finished struck in your press. Mr. Pradeaux will furnish you with money on my account.
as most of the great towns have made remonstrances on the subject of the Copper Coin, I have little doubt but that the new coinage will be intrusted to the hands of my friend Mr. Garbet & myself.
I wish you to make a specimen die either of the King's head or of mine but I think the shilling I sent you will be the best. The minister has determined that I shall coin 500 tons of copper.
No. 1 April 2, 1787, English
I beg you will inform me as soon as possible on what terms you will allow me to copy your press. I will endeavour to render you satisfied. I do not propose to strike the inscription on the edge of the peice at the same time as I strike the head & reverse but to put it on by an improved milling machine.
[In margin]
Drozs edging not to be used in the copper coinage
Could you not engrave the dies for our copper coinage at Paris. I do not wish to offend M. de Calonne. My screws I think would apply to your Presses but I will not apply them till I have your consent & no person shall inspect them except one of my old & faithfull servants & the boys who lay the Blanks.
No. 9. April 5.
Since my last I have been requested by the minister to strike a sixpence but am loth to undertake it here as our artists are inferior to yourself & Hedlinger. I send you a specimen and wish to have the head & the inscription the same but a reverse quite different that it may be free from all appearance of counterfeit money.
[In margin]
Mr Boultons own Coin
Respecting the medal of my head I beg you will not at present lose your time upon it .