Scotswood Bridge, two halfpennies

Two George II halfpennies. They were found on the site of the new Scotswood bridge during the demolition of the one one. They are the size of a modern penny and date to 1799. The obverse reads GEORGIUS III DEI GRATIA REX. It is unusual to find REX after the full form of DEI GRATIA. The only other example of this inscription in Brooke's 'English Coins' is on a Bank of England five shilling dollar of 1804. The reverse is badly worn but Britannia is shown seated left, with an oval-shaped shield at her left side and the waves beneath. At her feet is a ship. This and the five shilling dollar in Brooke's book must represent the issue struck in 1799 at the Soho Mint in Birmingham.