© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
1 Farthing - Charles II
| Bimetallic: copper centre in tin ring (copper plug) | 5.6 g | 23.5 mm |
| Issuer | England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | Charles II (1660-1685) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1684-1685 |
| Value | 1 Farthing (1⁄960) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Bimetallic: copper centre in tin ring (copper plug) |
| Weight | 5.6 g |
| Diameter | 23.5 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | 31 December 1869 |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#27923 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 87% |
Reverse
Seated figure of Britannia facing left, holding spear in left hand, olive branch in right, shield with Union flag resting at left, legend around.
Script: Latin
Lettering: BRITAN NIA ·
Edge
Incuse date
Comment
The original standard weight for these pieces was 80 to the pound avoirdupois (1/5 ounce or 87.5 grains each).Following is an excerpt from the Department of Special Collections at the University of Notre Dame Libraries:
"Near the end of his reign Charles began a process that would free the mint from dependence on imported copper. Hoping to assist the ailing British tin industry as well as obtaining a higher minting profit for himself, Charles began minting tin farthings. The warrant to produce these coins was awarded to the partnership of John Buckworth, Thomas Neale, Charles Dunucombe and James Hoare on June 20, 1684. A square plug of copper was added to the centre as an anti counterfeiting measure. The tin farthings were produced from 1684 through 1685."
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 1 Farthing coin from Charles II's reign is that it was the first coin to feature a portrait of the king wearing a wig. This was a departure from the traditional depiction of monarchs with long hair, and it reflected the changing fashion trends of the time.
