1 Farthing - John Short Cross type; class 5b ND
| Silver | 0.37 g | 9 mm |
| Issuer | England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| King | John (1199-1216) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1205-1207 |
| Value | 1 Farthing (1⁄960) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 0.37 g |
| Diameter | 9 mm |
| Shape | Quarter circle |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#280481 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 85% |
Reverse
Upper right segment of voided short cross with quatrefoils of pellets in angles within inner beaded circle, moneyer and mint name around.
Script: Latin
Lettering: + GIF[REI • ON • NOR]
Translation: Gifrei of Norwich
Comment
House of Plantagenet (1154-1399), John (1199-1216), Short Cross coinage, Class 5b. Uncut penny ref: Sp#1351, North#970.All issues bear the name of John's predecessor Henry, numerous moneyer and mint name variations exist.
Medieval coins were cut into halves and quarters to provide fractional denominations without the need to strike new coins. It is thought these were generally cut at the mint, although it is also likely to have happened during transactions. Cut farthings are known in England from Anglo-Saxon times (c. 750s) until Edward I introduced round farthings and halfpennies in the new coinage of 1279.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 1 Farthing coin is that it was minted during the reign of King John, who is known for his controversial rule and the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215.
