maridvnvm Posted June 14, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 14, 2022 The Farthing as a currency dates back to the silver cross pennies when the coins were cut for change. A quarter penny was a fourthing of the penny which over time migrated to farthing. I have collected farthings since I was in my teens (a long time ago). George IV Farthing bv:- GEORGIUS IIII DEI GRATIA, Laureate, draped bust left Rev:- BRITTANIAR: REX FID: DEF: (note D over D in DEF), Seated Britannia facing right, holding a shield and trident, lion at feet, date below Britannia Date: 1822 in exe. Mintage : 5,924,000 Reference:- Spink 3822 (Generic reference.). Peck 1411. Does anyone else have farthings to share? 19 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qcumbor Posted June 14, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 14, 2022 I do Sir, and quite enjoy them ! Spink # 3394 Spink # 3662 Spink # 3775 Spink # 3822 Spink # 3825 Spink # 3958 Spink # 3963 Spink # 4061 Spink # 4116 Sorry for the long run 😉 Q 14 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maridvnvm Posted June 14, 2022 · Member Author Share Posted June 14, 2022 I have loads to come so happy to see them. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qcumbor Posted June 14, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 14, 2022 1 minute ago, maridvnvm said: I have loads to come so happy to see them. Oh, nice ! I've fired all my bullets :) Q 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Conduitt Posted June 14, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 14, 2022 (edited) This thread could run and run. I have a lot of hammered farthings! (I won't post them all 🤪) I'll start with one of the cut pennies...it’s quite hard to find these with identifiable mints and moneyers. John Short Cross Class 5b1/2 Cut Farthing, 1205-1207 London. Silver, 0.34g. (H)ENRI(CUS REX). ILGE(R ON LVNDE). Moneyer Ilger (S 1351) Edited June 14, 2022 by John Conduitt OCD 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Eidolon Posted June 14, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 14, 2022 A few years ago I saw some cut pennies for sale. For some reason the halves were cheaper than two quarters, so I got a half. I suppose I could cut it into quarters to get some homemade farthings! Not sure which ruler. My notes say probably 1200s. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwart Posted June 14, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 14, 2022 Here's the farthing I've photographed, I think I have another in my newer coins that haven't been photographed yet. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwart Posted June 14, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 14, 2022 I was wrong!! I do have the other photographed. Its a South African 1/4 pence, but I think it qualifies for the thread. Its got QEII on it after all... :) 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Conduitt Posted June 14, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 14, 2022 (edited) 1 hour ago, The Eidolon said: A few years ago I saw some cut pennies for sale. For some reason the halves were cheaper than two quarters, so I got a half. I suppose I could cut it into quarters to get some homemade farthings! Not sure which ruler. My notes say probably 1200s. Well it's definitely 1180-1247 since it's a short cross penny. Since the bust has 2 hair ringlets without pellets in them, I would guess this is Class 7 (Spink 1356), which is Henry III. The moneyer might be Ilger, which here looks like ILGER O(N LVND). The only Ilger was at London (the same guy that struck my John cut farthing) and struck Classes 5 to 7. Of Class 7 he struck 7a1, 7a2, 7a3, 7b1 and 7b2, where 7a3, 7b1 and 7b2 tend not to have pellets in the hair. There's no chin so it isn't 7b2. Perhaps it's 7b1, which is 1222-1229 (Spink 1356B). Edited June 14, 2022 by John Conduitt 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Conduitt Posted June 14, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 14, 2022 This is England's first 'proper' farthing (apart from a few trials in Henry III's time), production of which began in 1279. Edward I also launched the halfpenny and the groat. Edward I New Coinage Class 3d Long Cross Farthing, 1280-1281 Tower. Silver, 11mm, 0.32g. Facing bust; +E R ANGLIE. Long cross and pellets; LON-DON-IEN-SIS (London mint) (S 1445A). Found Romney Marsh, Kent, 2000s. 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milesofwho Posted June 15, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 15, 2022 It’s hard to photograph my mediocre example of this 1799 farthing from the Soho mint in Birmingham. Interestingly, this is the first British coin where the denomination is spelled out. 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Eidolon Posted June 15, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 15, 2022 Some actual farthings: William and Mary Farthing 1694 Charles II 1672 Farthing Commonwealth Farthing Merchant Token 1669 (Maybe this one from Dorsetshire?) Farthing 1732 George II Not sure about this one. I assume it's some sort of replica or token imitating a 1713 Queen Anne farthing pattern. Some more modern farthings: I also like the fractional farthings for use in the colonies. 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thenickelguy Posted June 15, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 15, 2022 (edited) I have a few to add, these are neat. I'd like to acquire some "Model" fractional farthings, they get pretty small. 1760 George II Ireland Farthing 1843 Victoria Half Farthing 1885 Victoria One Third Farthing 1858 Victoria Farthing 1900 Victoria Farthing Edited June 26, 2022 by thenickelguy 11 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thenickelguy Posted June 15, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 15, 2022 Can I add a Conder Farthing? 1790's Pidcocks Exhibition Elephant - Two Headed Cow Farthing 10 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Di Nomos Posted June 15, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 15, 2022 If I wasn't so immersed in ancient Greek coins, I would definately collect English coins. These farthings are excellent, have reslly enjoyed looking at them. Reminds me of being a kid and looking at old coins mum had saved and collected. She was English. That's where the coin collecting seed was planted for me. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akeady Posted June 15, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 15, 2022 I collected British & Irish farthings as a kid in the late 70s and still have them. E.g.: And an Irish one: I still occasionally pick up one or two at a fair or from eBay, wherever. Seeing this thread, I dug up a lot of 46 farthings, half farthings and third farthings I bought back in 2013 and still haven't photographed: 17th, 18th 19th and 20th century - the last is a 1902 third farthing. They must be near the top of the list to be photographed 😄 ATB, Aidan. 11 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UkrainiiVityaz Posted June 15, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 15, 2022 A farthing token from Glasgow Scotland dated 1841 - notice the not oft depicted on a monetary instrument - breastfeeding. The Dr's office offered wet nurse services. 10 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Conduitt Posted June 15, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 15, 2022 These were the first copper English coins. Technically, it's a token, as it was minted privately by John Harington, Baron of Exton and his wife for James I and they weren't legal tender. James I Harington Type 1b Farthing, 1613-1614 London Token House. 0.30g. IACO D*G. MAG BRIT (Obverse 1). FRA.ET.HIB.REX with Harington knot in front (S 2675; Everson Harington Type 1b 11 (unmodified); Peck/BMC Type 1b 39). 7 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maridvnvm Posted June 18, 2022 · Member Author Share Posted June 18, 2022 I haven't delved into my collection yet. I need to take photos of them. I have realise that I have never done that. I was working through a box of world coins though and the following coins came out of it. They are a pleasant surprise and will make their way to my farthing trays... George IV Obv:- GEORGIUS IIII DEI GRATIA, Laureate, draped bust left Rev:- BRITTANIAR: REX FID: DEF:, Seated Britannia facing right, holding a shield and trident, lion at feet, date below Britannia Date: 1821. in exe. Peck 1407. Mintage : 2,688,000 Victoria) Obv:- VICTORIA DEI GRATIA, Uncrowned portrait left // 1858 Rev:- BRITANNIAR: REG: FID: DEF:, Seated figure of Britannia right, trident in left hand, shield with Union flag in right hand, legend around, national flower emblems in exergue Date: 1858 Mintage : 1,720,000 Victoria Obv:- VICTORIA D:G: BRITT:REG:F:D:, Laureate portrait left Rev:- F A R T H I N G, Seated figure of Britannia facing right, trident in left hand, shield with Union flag in right hand, denomination above, date in exergue, sea behind with lighthouse on left and ship on right // 1879 Date: 1879 Mintage : 3,977,100 10 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Conduitt Posted June 24, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 24, 2022 (edited) Here are examples of the Stuart farthings from the other patent holders who brought England its first copper coins. John Harington and his widow (as of the farthing above) were the first, their farthings identifiable because they have IACO (for James I) between the sceptres and the Harington knot on the reverse. The below was the second, from the Duke of Lennox. IACO has moved around to after the privy mark. There are many types and varieties. James I Lennox Type 2, 1616 London Token House. Copper, 16mm, 0.72g. IACO : D : G : MAG : BRIT :; flower privy mark. Eagle-headed harp (with 6 strings), FRA : ET HIB : REX . (Reverse 1), die axis 180° (Everson Lennox Type 2 25; Peck/BMC Lennox Type 3b 56). Edited June 24, 2022 by John Conduitt 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Conduitt Posted June 24, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 24, 2022 (edited) The Duke of Lennox was given the additional title of the Duke of Richmond, but promptly died, as did James I. As with the Haringtons, the patent passed to his widow, Frances Stewart, Dowager Duchess of Richmond & Lennox, so Charles I's first farthings are known as Richmonds. They're much like the Lennox issues, but obviously, CARO replaced IACO. On some early issues, CARO is cut over IACO. Charles I Richmond Type 2, 1625-1631 London Token House. Copper, 16mm, 0.53g. CARO : D : G : MAG : BRI (Obverse 2); three lys privy mark. Eagle-headed harp (with 6 strings), FRA : ET HIB : REX (Reverse 3), die axis 0° (Everson Richmond Type 2 93; Peck/BMC Type 1c 182). Ex Colin Cooke. Edited June 24, 2022 by John Conduitt 6 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Conduitt Posted June 24, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 24, 2022 (edited) The Duchess of Richmond passed the patent to Lord Maltravers, who redesigned the farthing with advice from Nicholas Briot. They're easily identified by having inner rings around the crown and harp. Charles I Maltravers Type 2, 1634-1636 London Token House. Copper, 16mm, 0.51g. .CAROLVS . D ! G ! MAG ! BRIT (Obverse 5); martlet privy mark both sides. Eagle-headed harp, FRAN ! ET . HIB ! REX (Reverse 2) (Everson Maltravers Type 2 134c; Peck/BMC Type 3b 247). Edited June 24, 2022 by John Conduitt 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Conduitt Posted June 24, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 24, 2022 (edited) Lord Maltravers had to redesign them again, both to make them more substantial (so that people would accept them) and to make them less easy to counterfeit. He added a brass segment for the latter purpose - perhaps making this England's first bi-metallic coin. The brass segment is almost always present on rose farthings, even though you can't always see it. Lord Maltravers replaced the harp with a rose, and so these are known as 'Rose' farthings. There are very many varieties, but the two major groups are those with single crowns and roses, and those with double crowns and roses. Charles I Rose Type 3, 1636-1637London Token House. Copper with brass segment, 13-14mm, 1.38g. Double-arched crown, sceptres divide legend; CAROLVS . D : G MAG : BRIT : (Obverse 1). Double rose, privy mark lys on reverse only; FRAN : ET . HIB : REX . (Everson Rose Type 3 164; Peck/BMC Type 1c 309). Edited June 24, 2022 by John Conduitt 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Conduitt Posted June 24, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 24, 2022 (edited) Finally, the Civil War erupted and the Parliamentarians took over the Token House. They continued producing farthings for a while, but moved the sceptres to below the crown so that they could demonetise all the others, in order to prevent Charles I minting them to fund his army. Charles I Rose Type 5a, 1643-1644London Token House. Copper with brass segment, 14mm, 1.13g. Single-arched crown, sceptres with bosses on handles cross beneath crown, privy mark mullet on both sides; CAROLV . D : G . MAG : BR. Single rose; FRA : ET : HIB : REX . (Everson Rose Type 5a 208a; Peck/BMC Type 3a 348). Edited June 24, 2022 by John Conduitt 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thenickelguy Posted June 26, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 26, 2022 Forgot this one 1846 Great Britain Victoria Farthing 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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