E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Wood’s Halfpence.
A penny coined by William Wood, to whom George I. granted letters patent for the purpose. (See DRAPIER’S LETTERS.).
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“Sir Walter’s [Scott] real belief in Scotch onepound notes may be advantageously contrasted with Swift’s forced frenzy about Wood’s half-pence, more especially as Swift really did understand the defects of Wood’s scheme, and Sir Walter was absolutely ignorant of the currency controversy in which he engaged.”—The Times.
