© Ringgy (CC BY)
© Ringgy (CC BY)
1 Farthing - Charles I Richmond issue; type 4 ND
| Copper | 1 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | Charles I (1625-1649) |
| Type | Token |
| Years | 1631-1632 |
| Value | 1 Farthing (1⁄960) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 1 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#156570 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 87% |
Reverse
Crown with 5 circlet jewels either side of central diamond over six-stringed harp ornamented with 7 beads, legend around
Script: Latin
Lettering: FRA : ET HIB : REX
Translation: France and Ireland
Comment
During the reign of King Charles I (1625–1649), farthings continued to be produced under the king’s licence. Towards the end of the reign of James I, in 1623 Ludovic, Duke of Lennox acquired the additional title of the Duke of Richmond, but died a few months later without an heir. The farthing patent passed to his widow, Frances Stewart, Dowager Duchess of Richmond & Lennox – who had as partner in it, Sir Francis Crane. This patent was confirmed to them on the 30th of May, 1625, by Charles I upon his accession. Thus, the first ‘farthing’ issues of Charles I are consequently called Richmonds.For more information on Richmond farthings, please visit The Old Currency Exchange
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Token 1 Farthing - Charles I (Richmond issue; type 4) ND (1631-1632) from England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) made of Copper weighing 1 g is that it was issued during a time of great economic turmoil in England. The coin was minted in 1631-1632, during the reign of King Charles I, when the country was facing a severe shortage of small change, which led to the issuance of privately minted tokens like this one. The coin's design features the king's crowned bust on one side and a cross on the other, and its copper composition was a departure from the traditional silver or gold used in earlier coins. Despite its small denomination, the Token 1 Farthing was an important part of everyday commerce in 17th-century England and remains a valuable collector's item today.
