Farthing

Farthing A farthing was a coin of the Kingdom of England and later of the United Kingdom, worth one-quarter of a penny. The name is derived from the Old English word "feorthing," meaning a fourth part. The farthing was used from the 13th century until 1960, when it was withdrawn from circulation.

History

The farthing was first minted in the reign of Henry III in the 13th century. Initially, it was made of silver, but later versions were made of copper and then bronze. The coin underwent several design changes over the centuries, reflecting the reigns of different monarchs and changes in the economy.

Medieval Period

During the medieval period, farthings were made of silver and were quite small, making them easy to lose. They were often cut from larger coins, such as pennies, to create smaller denominations.

Tudor and Stuart Periods

In the Tudor and Stuart periods, the farthing continued to be made of silver. However, during the reign of James I, copper farthings were introduced. These copper farthings were unpopular and often counterfeited.

18th and 19th Centuries

In the 18th century, the farthing was made of copper and featured the image of Britannia. In 1860, the material was changed to bronze. The design of the farthing remained relatively consistent during this period, with the image of Britannia on one side and the reigning monarch on the other.

20th Century

The farthing continued to be used in the 20th century, but its value diminished due to inflation. The coin was last minted in 1956 and was withdrawn from circulation in 1960.

Design

The design of the farthing varied over the centuries. Early farthings featured simple designs, often just a cross or the image of the reigning monarch. Later designs included more intricate images, such as Britannia, a symbol of British strength and unity.

Cultural Significance

The farthing has a place in British cultural history, often mentioned in literature and historical accounts. It represents a time when even the smallest denominations of currency had significant purchasing power.

Related Pages

• Penny (British coin)
• Shilling
• Pound sterling
• Britannia (coin)
• History of the British penny (1714–1901)

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