Social Unrest
There were worries over how the ‘lower orders’ would view this endeavor and whether there might be riots. This concern was voiced both early in the process and right before the exchange began. It is possible that a protest by a political radical scheduled for the original start day, February 3, 1817, was one of the reasons for delaying it ten days to start February 13.
The Exchange
The Mint came up with an estimate of four shillings, two pence (4s 2d) coin per person, based on a population of twelve million. Then they allocated coins to a selection of three hundred and forty towns and bankers, building in flexibility should any town require more. Distribution started January 18, 1817. In most parts of England, the winter was mild, facilitating the transport.

Boxes were packed containing six £100 bags: four of shillings, one of half-crowns, and one of sixpences. In eighteen days, £1,800,000 was sent to sites in England and Wales. The bulk was delivered by coach.

The exchange was due to begin on February 3. The Cabinet deferred it until February 13 because they feared starting on a Monday and so early in the month when workers would have the bulk of their wages. The delay allowed getting coins out to all the country banks as estimates for delivery were incorrect. The previously mentioned planned political protest on the original day may also have been an inducement. (8)

There were both reports of order and regularity, and others of long lines, windows broken because of the pressure of the crowds, and pickpockets relieving people of banknotes. Most of the long lines and crowds were in London and during the first days of the exchange. Some of the most distant places in the north or on the islands were given extra days.
Aftermath
Not a single bag of the new coin went missing. Of the old coin, two bags of approximate value of £200 were stolen in Tavistock, and a man was arrested. That was the single ‘incident’ of the entire endeavor.

Counterfeiters were quick. Reports that tradesmen received ‘base money’ (counterfeit) were published as early as February 14, the day after the exchange began.

But the exchange was completed in a fortnight. And as of March 1, 1817, the old silver coins ceased to be legal tender.
Why this is lost in history
Wellesley-Pole only missed his estimated thirty weeks of production by two weeks. That is impressive given the largely manual nature of the operation compared to our modern machinery. The Mint experienced no significant delays due to mechanical failure. One press out of the eight had a great screw give way, which was a minor issue given their frenetic pace of 24/7 minting for seven months. As mentioned above, none of the boxes or bags went missing. It was a glorious success.

The press preferred to focus on the half-crown’s unflattering portrait of George III or the vanity of both Wellesley-Pole and Pistrucci to carve their initials into the coins’ designs.