1 Farthing - James I Lennox issue; type 4 ND
| Copper | 0.44 g | 16 mm |
| Issuer | England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | James I (1603-1625) |
| Type | Token |
| Years | 1622-1625 |
| Value | 1 Farthing (1⁄960) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 0.44 g |
| Diameter | 16 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#332089 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 92% |
Reverse
Crowned eagle-headed harp with 5 strings, legend around. No mintmark. 9 jewels on crown.
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), copper farthing token, production contracted to Lord Lennox.Struck at the London Token House, Moorgate. Everson type 4. The number of strings on the harp can vary in unusual varieties.
Privy mark on obverse only, these are:
Die axis 0°: triangle, trefoil or mascle.
Die axis 180°: Lombardic A, dagger, lion rampant, 3 lys, stirrup or fusil.
Others are probably counterfeit.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Token 1 Farthing - James I (Lennox issue; type 4) ND (1622-1625) from England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) made of Copper weighing 0.44 g is that it was issued during a time of great economic turmoil in England. The early 17th century saw a severe shortage of small change, which led to the issuance of private tokens, like this one, by traders and merchants to fill the gap. This coin, in particular, was issued by the Earl of Lennox, who was a prominent Scottish nobleman and a member of the royal family. Despite its small denomination, this coin is a rare and valuable piece of numismatic history.
