Farthing

Farthings first came into production during the reign of Charles II in 1672 due to a considerable shortage of coins of low denomination. It is always a sign that coins of a certain denomination are needed when tradesmen issue private tokens bearing that denomination, and the well-known tokens of 1660 are a clear indication of the need for the coin.

An extensive series of pattern farthings was struck from the beginning of the reign, but it was not until 1672 that farthings were struck for circulation. The Royal Proclamation of 1672 authorised the striking of farthings and half pennies with legal tender status up to a total of sixpence, but the issue of half pennies was delayed. The Farthing thus became the first of the long series of base metal ‘Britannia’ coinage which was to last almost exactly 300 years.

Like the half penny,the design of the Farthing would also change during George VI’s reign. The design adopted for the reverse was that of a wren, which had been proposed for the reverse of the Edward VIII Farthing. The coin was struck for every year of the reign but, unlike the half penny, it did not undergo minute differences of design from year to year. 

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  • Monarch: Edward I 1272 - 1307 or George II 1727 - 1760 or William IV 1830 - 1837 or Victoria 1837 - 1901 or Edward VII 1901 - 1910 or George VI 1936 - 1952
Victoria_Old_Head_Farthing_obv

Victoria, Farthing (Old Head) VG-F

In our opinion, the Old Head or Widow Head but of Queen Victoria is the most underappreciated of the three different busts made during her reign. Here we offer the Old Head Farthing in VG-F. Dates will be of our choice.
£5.95
Victoria_Yong_Head_Farthing_Very_Fine_obv

Victoria, Farthing (Young Head 1838-1860) Very Fine

These Victorian Young Head Farthings were struck in copper from 1838-1860 from then they were made thinner and struck in bronze. We love these copper coins because of their thickness and Victoria’s portrait. Don’t forget she only came to the throne in 1837. Dates of our choice, but the more you order the more dates we will try and give you.
£24.50
Picture of Victoria, Farthing (Young Head) Copper Fine

Victoria, Farthing (Young Head) Copper Fine

A nice parcel of Queen Victoria Copper Farthings has just arrived. These are the thick coins actually struck in Copper and not bronze as the later pieces were. You have the Young Head of Queen Victoria on one side and a seated Britannia on the other side. Today these coins are getting more and more difficult to find. They were made from 1838-1859 for circulation. The group we got in had a number of different dates, unfortunately, none of the rare ones. This product comes in fine grade. We have not received a parcel like this in years and we are certain these coins will sell very quickly. The more coins you order the more different dates we will try and give you.
£17.50
Picture of Victoria, Farthing (Young Head) Copper Very Fine

Victoria, Farthing (Young Head) Copper Very Fine

When Queen Victoria came to the throne the smaller coins were struck in Copper, rather than the bronze that they used from 1860. You have the beautiful Young Head of Queen Victoria on one side and the figure of a seated Britannia on the other side. They were issued from 1839-1859 for circulation. The coins on offer are in Very Fine condition, which is quite high grade for these coins. Remember they were in everyday usage and therefore saw a lot of wear. The usual grade they come in is Very Good or maybe Fine, the coins on offer are in Very Fine condition. Dates will be of our choice, but the more you order the more different dates we will try and give you.
£24.50
Picture of Victoria, Farthing 1886 Unc

Victoria, Farthing 1886 Unc

Victoria, Farthing, 1886. In uncirculated condition.
£45.00
Picture of Victoria, Farthing 1901 Choice Unc

Victoria, Farthing 1901 Choice Unc

Queen Victoria’s long reign ended in January 1901. So that the 1901 Penny, Halfpenny and Farthing are the last bronze coins made with her portrait. I have bought a small group of 1901 Farthings, but these Farthings are mint darkened at the Royal Mint before they were released. A great tribute to a great Queen and the condition is so nice. Offered here in Choice Uncirculated.
£40.00
Picture of Victoria, Farthing 1901 Unc

Victoria, Farthing 1901 Unc

Queen Victoria’s long reign ended in January 1901. So that the 1901 Penny, Halfpenny and Farthing are the last bronze coins made with her portrait. I have bought a small group of 1901 Farthings, but these Farthings are mint darkened at the Royal Mint before they were released. A great tribute to a great Queen and the condition is so nice. Offered here in Uncirculated.
£25.00
1901_Farthing _Unc_obv

Victoria, Farthing 1901 Unc

1901 Farthing in Unc from the reign of Queen Victoria. Struck in Mint Darkened condition.
£25.00
William IV, Farthing (Copper) Very Fine_obv

William IV, Farthing (Copper) Very Fine

The reign of King William IV was rather short 1830-1837. The smallest coin that was regularly issued for circulation was the copper Farthing and that was only made in 1831, 1834, 1835, 1836 and 1837. Because it was the smallest denomination it was used every day and the examples you usually see are in well worn condition. This little group is rather outstanding in that all the coins are in Very Fine condition, much better than they usually come. Dates will be of our choice, but the coins are in Very Fine condition a nice collectors grade. They are coming on to being almost 200 years old and come from a very short reign. Nice copper coins and well above average condition.
£39.50
William IV_Farthing_obv

William IV, Farthing Fine

King William IV, also known as the Sailor King, only ruled from 1830-1837. The smallest coin that was regularly issued for circulation was the copper farthing and that was issued for only five years. It is a lot more difficult to get than many collectors and dealers realise. Here we offer King William IV's Farthing in Fine condition. You have the bare head of the King on the obverse and a seated Britannia on the reverse. We are selling them by type, but the more you order the more different dates we will try and send you. They are almost two hundred years old and this Monarch did not rule for long.
£39.50
Farthing Very Good_obv

William IV, Farthing Very Good

King William IV, also known as the Sailor King, only ruled from 1830-1837. The smallest coin that was regularly issued for circulation was the copper farthing and that was issued for only five years. It is a lot more difficult to get than many collectors and dealers realise. Here we offer King William IV's Farthing in Very Good condition. You have the bare head of the King on the obverse and a seated Britannia on the reverse. We are selling them by type, but the more you order the more different dates we will try and send you. They are almost two hundred years old and this Monarch did not rule for long.
£24.50

When did the Farthing go out of circulation?

By the time the coin bore the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, inflation had eroded its value, and in 1956 the Royal Mint issued the last Farthing. But it wasn’t until the end of 1960 that it was withdrawn completely from circulation.

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