Details
NEWTON, Sir Isaac (1642-1747). Document signed (as Warden of the Mint, 'Is. Newton'), a summons binding Richard Angell of the parish of St. Botolph at Bishopsgate, a goldsmith, in the sum of '40 d' (i.e. 40 pence) to give evidence in the trial of William Thornton 'for counterfeiting ye true coyn of this Kingdom', written in black ink on vellum, in English (six words in Latin), signed in the lower margin, one page, 70 x 315 mm. (slightly discoloured in the left portion, a few words faded), mounted on card, framed and glazed.
Newton had been appointed Warden of the Mint in 1696, to preside over the great undertaking of the recoinage, which was completed in 1699. His industry and honesty led to sweeping reforms. At this time counterfeiting was rife, and the death penalty was invoked for those convicted of it.
Newton had been appointed Warden of the Mint in 1696, to preside over the great undertaking of the recoinage, which was completed in 1699. His industry and honesty led to sweeping reforms. At this time counterfeiting was rife, and the death penalty was invoked for those convicted of it.