© John Conduitt (CC BY-SA)
© John Conduitt (CC BY-SA)
1 Farthing - James I Harington issue; type 1a ND
1613 year| Copper | 0.4 g | 12 mm |
| Issuer | England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | James I (1603-1625) |
| Type | Token |
| Year | 1613 |
| Value | 1 Farthing (1⁄960) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 0.4 g |
| Diameter | 12 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#302489 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Crowned harp centrally with legend around, fret/Harington Knot at start of legend.
Script: Latin
Lettering: # FRA. ET. HIB. REX
Unabridged legend: Franciae Et Hiberniae Rex
Translation: France and Ireland (continuation of obverse legend)
Comment
House of Stuart (1603-49), James I (1603-25), Harington type 1a copper farthing token.Everson 1a 2-10; Peck 1a 28-36. Some have a tin wash.
Privy marks below crown on obverse: A, B, C, D, F, S, millrind, pellet and ermine. Die axis is 180° (coin) except millrind, which is 0° (medal).
James I and Charles I farthings were considered tokens as they were not legal tender. Despite featuring a harp, Harington farthing tokens were not used in Ireland.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Token 1 Farthing - James I (Harington issue; type 1a) ND (1613) from England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) made of Copper weighing 0.4 g is that it was issued during a time of great economic turmoil in England. The coin was minted in 1613, during the reign of James I, when there was a severe shortage of small change in circulation. To address this issue, the government allowed private individuals and companies to mint their own coins, known as "tokens," which were accepted as legal tender. The Harington issue, of which this coin is a part, was one such token issue, and it features a unique design and inscription that sets it apart from other coins of the time. Despite its small denomination, this coin is a valuable piece of history and a testament to the resourcefulness and resilience of the people of England during a time of economic hardship.
