Biographical dictionary of medallists: coin, gem, and seal-engravers, mint-masters, &c., ancient and modern, with references to their works B. C. 500-A. D. 1900; compiled by L. Forrer ...

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" It was prepared by gilding very thickly a plate of copper, and
then rolling it out to a proper thickness for the coin; the ductility
of the gold being such as always to preserve a uniform surface of
that metal, however thin, and to whatever extent it might be
requisite to roll the copper. Some objections having been started
to issuing gold pieces without subjecting them to the process preparatory to taking the specimens for the trial of the pix, it was
prepared to gratify collectors, who were anxious for perfect and
uninjured specimens, with impressions upon this kind of metal. "
(Edw. Hawkins, Gold Coins of England, p. I 7).
Proofs of the whole gold coinage of 1825 were struck in 'Barton's metal (Hawkins, Num. Chron., 85 I, p. I75). Very few were
struck in gold of this date and these only with plain edges for
H. M. George IV. and some distinguished persons. Contrary to the
original intention of striking proofs in Barton's metal only, collectors were afterwards allowed to have proofs in gold of the coinage
of 1826. There are Crowns of 1825, Halfcrowns of 1824, and Shillings of I825 (including the rare pattern with FID. DEF.).
Barton's process was used for proofs of coins in others countries. I
have seen such proofs of various French Patterns of 1848, of Napoleon IIT's coinage by J.J. Barre, of George I's coinage for Greece,
1877, by the same engraver, etc.
Sir John Barton was a great mechanist, and made buttons that
were subjected to this process of gilding, which were much sought
after, and to this day, buttons treated in this manner are known as
Barton's buttons". He also invented aRfloating compass, an atometer, etc.
He was a contemporary and great friend of William Wyon, and
it was probably under their joint direction that the proofs in Barton's
metal were struck.
Sir John Barton was an early official of the Royal Mint, and was
Comptroller from I816 to 1830 (when he retired), during which
time he resided at the Mint.
He was a great favourite of King William IV, by whom he was
knighted.
Sir John Barton was born in 1771, and died in I834. One of his
sons William Henry Barton, succeeded him as Deputy Comptroller
at the Mint in 1830; and his grandson Robert Barton, became
Deputy Master of the Melbourne Mint.
BARTON, ROBERT (Brit.). Son of William Henry Barton.
Appointed Deputy Master of the Melbourne Mint, i895. Retired
May i7t%, I904.
BARTON, WILLIAM HENRY (Brit.). Son of Sir John Barton,
whom he succeeded as Deputy Comptroller of the Royal Mint,