© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
½ Farthing - Victoria 1st portrait; incl. Colonial
| Copper | 2.36 g | 18 mm |
| Issuer | United Kingdom (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| Queen | Victoria (1837-1901) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1839-1856 |
| Value | ½ Farthing (1⁄1920) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 2.36 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Thickness | 1.3 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | 31 December 1869 |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#8480 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 11% |
Reverse
Central crowned denomination above date with rose, thistle and shamrock below date.
Note: 1839-dated issues bear only a rose below date
Script: Latin
Lettering:
HALF
FARTHING
1844
Edge
Plain
Comment
Originally struck for use in Ceylon with only a Tudor rose below the date (see below), from 1842 they were made legal tender in the UK and produced with the three national flower emblems below the date. The standard weight of these pieces was 1/12 ounce avoirdupois (36.5 grains), leading to much criticism that they were far too small a denomination. The series lasted until 1869 when the coin was demonetized, the last date issued for circulation being 1856.For further information on fractional farthings, please visit Tony Clayton's website at coins-of-the-uk.co.uk.
