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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Picture of Elizabeth II, Farthing 1953 Brilliant Unc

Elizabeth II, Farthing 1953 Brilliant Unc

In 1953 the Royal Mint issued new coins for the new Queen, Elizabeth II. But the legend was different from all the coins that were to come, so that the 1953 coins and the Farthing in particular are one year type coins. This is important because there were only 4 dates of Elizabeth II Farthings ever issued, 1956 being the last date of issue. Because the 1953 Coronation Farthing is a one year type, it is also the most difficult one to get in Brilliant Uncirculated condition. We bought a group that had been put away in 1953, some 65 years ago and had lain undisturbed until now. Add a one year type, 1953 Coronation Farthing in Brilliant Uncirculated to your collection, they are not easy to get.
£8.95
1953 Farthing_obv

Elizabeth II, Farthing 1953 Uncirculated

In 1953 the Royal Mint issued new coins for the new Queen, Elizabeth II. But the legend was different from all the coins that were to come, so that the 1953 coins and the Farthing, in particular, are one-year type coins. This is important because there were only 4 dates of Elizabeth II Farthings ever issued, 1956 being the last date of issue. Because the 1953 Coronation Farthing is a one year type, it is difficult one to get in Brilliant Uncirculated condition. We bought a group that had been put away in 1953, some 68 years ago, and had lain undisturbed until now. Add a one-year type, 1953 Coronation Farthing in Brilliant Uncirculated to your collection, they are not easy to get.
£4.95
Picture of Elizabeth II, Farthing 1954 Brilliant Unc

Elizabeth II, Farthing 1954 Brilliant Unc

Elizabeth II, Farthing dated 1954 in Brilliant Uncirculated condition.
£7.95
Picture of Elizabeth II, Farthing 1955 Brilliant Unc

Elizabeth II, Farthing 1955 Brilliant Unc

The 1955 Wren Farthing was the penultimate, or the next to last Farthing to ever be struck. In 1956 the last ever Farthing was struck. For some reason, this penultimate Farthing is rather difficult to find in Brilliant Uncirculated condition. You have the youthful bust of Queen Elizabeth II on one side, remember that she only came to the throne in 1952, and on the other side you have a beautiful little wren. The coins on offer are in Brilliant Uncirculated condition and are now some 63 years old. For those of you too young to remember, there were 240 Pennies to the Pound and 4 Farthings to the Penny. So that a pound’s worth of Farthings would have been 960 coins. Don’t we wish we had the money and had put them away at the time?
£7.95
Picture of Elizabeth II, Farthing 1956 Brilliant Uncirculated

Elizabeth II, Farthing 1956 Brilliant Uncirculated

In 1956 the Royal Mint issued the last Farthing ever! We're guessing that it was too low of a denomination to be of any use. We have a nice small group of Brilliant Uncirculated 1956 Queen Elizabeth II Farthings. These are the last Farthing to ever be struck. The Mint didn’t make a lot of them and they are the most difficult date of Queen Elizabeth II to find. Get them while you can, remember there were 4 to a Penny and 960 to the pound. These are now 63 years old and in Brilliant Uncirculated condition.
£14.50
1956_Farthing_obv

Elizabeth II, Farthing 1956 Uncirculated

The first Farthing was issued during the reign of King Edward I 1272-1307 and it was struck in Silver. The last ever Farthing was struck in 1956 under Queen Elizabeth II and was struck in bronze. In fact, there were only four farthings issued under Queen Elizabeth II. The 1956 Farthing is the most difficult of the four dates to get. It has the Queen on the obverse and the wren on the reverse. Demand of late has increased and so has the cost of buying them. Lucky that we had some in stock so we can keep our prices more reasonable. We have them in two grades Uncirculated with touches of lustre and Brilliant Uncirculated in either case they are the last Farthing ever to be issued and an important coin worthy of your collection.
£10.95
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 (Yong Head) 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. Available in three different grades to appeal to all collectors.
£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

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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