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.
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.
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.
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.
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