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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 George VI 1936 - 1952
Edward I, Farthing Fine
The farthing marked the start of a revolutionary coinage reform by Edward I. Until this time, the penny was the smallest denomination. Low value transactions could be conducted using pennies cut into halves or quarters. The act of cutting pennies into quarters or fourths was how the word Farthing or “fourthing” came about. These silver farthings were introduced by Edward I during the recoinage of 1279. They brought about the end of the practice of cutting coins into halves and quarters. The old coinage and the use of pennies cut into farthings remained legal tender until they were demonitised in August 1280. These coins were the smallest silver coins of the early medieval period and were well circulated and are now over 700 years old, and they are much scarcer than the Pennies. We have been putting these aside for many years and are delighted to offer them to you now, for the first time. Available in Fine, while stocks last.
£99.50
George II, Farthing (Old Head) Fine
King George II ruled from 1727 until 1760. During that time they issued two different busts of the King. They are known as the Young Head and the Old Head, but don’t tell the King that. The smallest denomination issued for this Monarch was the Farthing, 4 farthings to the penny and 240 pennies to the Pound. These Old Head coins are almost 300 years old and are in Fine condition, being the smallest denomination they saw considerable circulation and usage. Dates will be of our choice, but the more you order the more different dates we will try and give you.
£39.50
George II, Farthing (Old Head) VG
King George II ruled from 1727 until 1760. During that time they issued two different busts of the King. They are known as the Young Head bust and the Old Head bust, offered here, but don’t tell the King that. The smallest denomination issued for this Monarch was the Farthing, 4 farthings to the penny and 240 pennies to the Pound. These coins are almost 300 years old and are in Very Good condition, being the smallest denomination they saw considerable circulation and usage. Dates will be of our choice, but the more you order the more different dates we will try and give you.
£27.50
George II, Farthing (Young Head)
King George II ruled from1727-1760, his young head bust was used on the copper farthings from 1730-1739. His bust is facing left on the obverse and Britannia is seated on the reverse. It is the smallest coin struck at the time, i.e. the lowest value and thus well circulated and used. We can offer this as a type coin, dates of our choice, in two different grades. Fair which is very worn but then again they are almost 300 years old and Fine with much more details show and to be honest a much nicer coin.
George VI, Farthing (Festival of Britain) 1951 Unc
Now some 66 years old and in Uncirculated condition with lustre
£10.00
George VI, Farthing 1937-48 BU
In 1937, the farthing went through its first major redesign since it’s introduction in 1672 under Charles II. For the first time in 264 years, Britannia was to be replaced on the reverse by one of Britain’s smallest birds – the Wren. This new design, first introduced on the Edward VIII pattern was also adopted on the farthings of George VI. Here we present the 1937-48 issue in Brilliant Uncirculated condition. Dates will be of our choice, one coin only issued between 1937-1948 but in BU condition.
£10.00
George VI, Farthing 1937-48 Unc
In 1937, the farthing went through its first major redesign since it’s introduction in 1672 under Charles II. For the first time in 264 years, Britannia was to be replaced on the reverse by one of Britain’s smallest birds – the Wren. This new design, first introduced on the Edward VIII pattern was also adopted on the farthings of George VI. Here we present the 1937-48 in Uncirculated condition. Dates will be of our choice.
£7.00
George VI, Farthing 1939 Unc
King George VI, the Queen’s Father, had a short but turbulent reign. After all we had World War II, silver was taken out of our coinage and the British Empire was starting to break up. We have uploaded onto the website all the King George VI Farthings that we have in stock in Uncirculated condition. In all honesty, some are Brilliant Uncirculated, which is better than Uncirculated, but we are going to sell them all at one price. When your order arrives, we will give you the best grade that we have in stock. On offer here is the 1939 Farthing. This is a great series of coins and the smallest coin issued by King George VI, they were struck in bronze and in Uncirculated.
£10.00
George VI, Farthing 1941 Unc
King George VI, the Queen’s Father, had a short but turbulent reign. After all we had World War II, silver was taken out of our coinage and the British Empire was starting to break up. We have uploaded onto the website all the King George VI Farthings that we have in stock in Uncirculated condition. In all honesty, some are Brilliant Uncirculated, which is better than Uncirculated, but we are going to sell them all at one price. When your order arrives, we will give you the best grade that we have in stock. On offer here is the 1941 Farthing. This is a great series of coins and the smallest coin issued by King George VI, they were struck in bronze and in Uncirculated.
£10.00
George VI, Farthing 1942 Brilliant Unc
First issue (1937-48) Farthing of George VI dated 1942 with title IND:IMP.
£15.00
George VI, Farthing 1942 Unc
We have just bought a hoard of 1942 World War II Farthings in Uncirculated condition. They were issued under King George VI and all have part original lustre. They were put away at the time, but have mellowed over the past 76 years. No wear just a gentle mellowing of the lustre. 1942 was at the height of the Second World War and the Farthing with the wren on it, was the smallest denomination issued at the time. They are struck, in bronze rather than copper and have the bare head of the King on the obverse. Normally we would charge considerably more for this coin, but if we make a good buy, then our customers make a good buy. It is only fair that way. So for this issue only, or until sold out, you can own a 1942 King George VI Farthing in Uncirculated condition and at this price; we think they are very attractive to the collector.
£10.00
George VI, Farthing 1943 Unc
First issue (1937-48) Farthing of George VI dated 1943 with title IND:IMP.
£10.00
George VI, Farthing 1944 Unc
King George VI, the Queen’s Father, had a short but turbulent reign. After all we had World War II, silver was taken out of our coinage and the British Empire was starting to break up. We have uploaded onto the website all the King George VI Farthings that we have in stock in Uncirculated condition. In all honesty, some are Brilliant Uncirculated, which is better than Uncirculated, but we are going to sell them all at one price. When your order arrives, we will give you the best grade that we have in stock. On offer here is the 1944 Farthing. This is a great series of coins and the smallest coin issued by King George VI, they were struck in bronze and in Uncirculated.
£10.00
George VI, Farthing 1945 Unc
King George VI, the Queen’s Father, had a short but turbulent reign. After all we had World War II, silver was taken out of our coinage and the British Empire was starting to break up. We have uploaded onto the website all the King George VI Farthings that we have in stock in Uncirculated condition. In all honesty, some are Brilliant Uncirculated, which is better than Uncirculated, but we are going to sell them all at one price. When your order arrives, we will give you the best grade that we have in stock. On offer here is the 1945 Farthing. This is a great series of coins and the smallest coin issued by King George VI, they were struck in bronze and in Uncirculated.
£10.00
George VI, Farthing 1946 Unc
King George VI, the Queen’s Father, had a short but turbulent reign. After all we had World War II, silver was taken out of our coinage and the British Empire was starting to break up. We have uploaded onto the website all the King George VI Farthings that we have in stock in Uncirculated condition. In all honesty, some are Brilliant Uncirculated, which is better than Uncirculated, but we are going to sell them all at one price. When your order arrives, we will give you the best grade that we have in stock. On offer here is the 1946 Farthing. This is a great series of coins and the smallest coin issued by King George VI, they were struck in bronze and are all in Uncirculated condition or above.
£10.00
George VI, Farthing 1947 Unc
King George VI, the Queen’s Father, had a short but turbulent reign. After all we had World War II, silver was taken out of our coinage and the British Empire was starting to break up. We have uploaded onto the website all the King George VI Farthings that we have in stock in Uncirculated condition. In all honesty, some are Brilliant Uncirculated, which is better than Uncirculated, but we are going to sell them all at one price. When your order arrives, we will give you the best grade that we have in stock. On offer here is the 1947 Farthing. This is a great series of coins and the smallest coin issued by King George VI, they were struck in bronze and in Uncirculated.
£10.00
George VI, Farthing 1949-52 BU
In 1937, the farthing went through its first major redesign since it’s introduction in 1672 under Charles II. For the first time in 264 years, Britannia was to be replaced on the reverse by one of Britain’s smallest birds – the Wren. This new design, first introduced on the Edward VIII pattern was also adopted on the farthings of George VI. Here we present the 1949-52 in Brilliant Uncirculated condition. Dates will be of our choice.
£10.00
George VI, Farthing 1949-52 Unc
In 1937, the farthing went through its first major redesign since it’s introduction in 1672 under Charles II. For the first time in 264 years, Britannia was to be replaced on the reverse by one of Britain’s smallest birds – the Wren. This new design, first introduced on the Edward VIII pattern was also adopted on the farthings of George VI. Here we present the 1949-52 in Uncirculated condition.
£7.00
George VI, Farthing 1952 Unc
A nice group of King George VI Wren Farthings in Uncirculated condition. They have touches of lustre, but have seen no wear, they mellowed over the years as most copper and bronze coins will. These are Uncirculated not Brilliant Uncirculated, and as such, they are priced at a lot less money. Here we present the 1952. Nice coins, worth having but supplies are limited. So if you want or need a date or two, best to get in quickly…
£10.00
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 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
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
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