1 Farthing - Charles I (Rose issue; type 1) ND (1636) front 1 Farthing - Charles I (Rose issue; type 1) ND (1636) back
1 Farthing - Charles I (Rose issue; type 1) ND (1636) photo
© John Conduitt (CC BY-SA)

1 Farthing - Charles I Rose issue; type 1 ND

1636 year
Copper (with brass wedge) 1.0 g 14 mm
Description
Issuer
England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies)
King
Charles I (1625-1649)
Type
Token
Year
1636
Value
1 Farthing (1⁄960)
Currency
Pound sterling (1158-1970)
Composition
Copper (with brass wedge)
Weight
1.0 g
Diameter
14 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Roller milled
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-08
References
Numista
N#359076
Rarity index
92%

Reverse

Large double rose with crown; privy mark at end of legend followed by a stop.

Script: Latin

Lettering: (.)FRAN! ET. HIB! REX(.)

Unabridged legend: Franciae Et Hiberniae Rex

Translation: King of France and Ireland

Comment

House of Stuart (1603-49), Charles I (1625-49), copper Rose farthing, type 1.

There are two main sub-types, both with large crowns and roses, but one has noticeably larger designs. The rose of the larger design touches the circle.

Obverse legend varieties:

CAROLVS. D! G! MAG! BRIT!
CAROLVS. D! G! MAG! BRIT
CAROLVS. D! G! MA! BRIT!
CAROLVS. D! G! MA! BRIT

Reverse legend varieties:

FRAN! ET. HIB! REX.
.FRAN! ET. HIB! REX.
FRAN! ET. HIB! REX

In 1636, directions were given to Lord Maltravers and Sir Francis Crane “to make a new sort of farthing token which should have a little brass in the middle of the copper to distinguish the true farthings from forgeries.” The harp on the reverse was replaced by a rose, hence these pieces are known as the Rose farthings, and are the last made under the patent of Charles I, which was abolished during the interregnum.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Token 1 Farthing - Charles I (Rose issue; type 1) ND (1636) from England is that it was issued during a time of great economic turmoil in the country. The coin was introduced as a replacement for the silver farthing, which had become too expensive to produce due to the devaluation of the silver content. The Token 1 Farthing was made of copper with a brass wedge and was designed to be a more affordable alternative. Despite its humble composition, the coin still features a detailed image of King Charles I on one side and a rose on the other, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail of the time.