Not Worth a Farthing

[Prosit]

(Original and another Image manipulated because the original is so dark)

Here is a recent addition to my collection, an 1887 Farthing from Grandma Vicky's era.
Would rather had a Groat but the opertunity came along to get this one and I took it.

It is uncirculated.
Not a cheap coin, not an expensive one either, for me, kinda in the middle.  The people of 1887 however would be very shocked at what I paid for such a wee coin so don't tell  them 

Please feel free to add to the description as I don't normally collect this area and know little about them.

Dale

[Figleaf]

Little gem, Dale. Here's a description.

obv: bun bust with laurel wreath left. Legend: VICTORIA Dei:Gratia:   BRITTanniarae:REGina:Fidei:Defensor: (excuse my Latin) - Victoria by the grace of god queen of the Britains defender of the faith. The last title refers to the British sovereign being head of the Anglican church

rev: Britannia seated on a rock (presumably one of the largest of the British Isles) in Greek dress and helmet and sandals. Shield (defense) in right hand, trident (offense, in particular at sea) in left hand. A lighthouse left, a sailing ship right. Denomination above, date below.

The portrait is modern for its days, except for the wreath and in line with Pisanello's traditions. The reverse is highly traditional, first used by the Stuarts and mentioned by Samuel Pepys. The allegorical figure in classical garb matches the faux classic fashion of the days of Wellington and Waterloo. The other symbolism is maritime, reflecting Britain's strongest point at this time, expanding trade and a huge colonial empire.

Peter

[Figleaf]

Little afterthought on the denomination. Farthing comes from fourthling. That's because the first farthings were actually small silver pennies cut in four pieces. This was a common and accepted practice, comparable to hacking silver objects to pieces for use as money (hacksilver). The first copper farthing appeared only in 1672. From 1860, they were made in bronze. The last farthings were struck in 1956. They were demonetized in 1961. Farthings circulated extensively in British colonies.

Peter

[Prosit]

Thank you, I am quite proud of her.

And thanks for the great description and note on the denomination!

Dale

Little gem, Dale.....
Peter

[BCNumismatics]

Dale,
  In addition to the Farthing,there were some fractional coins denominated less than a Farthing.

Ireland did issue a 1/2 Farthing in the late 15th. Century.

The modern 1/2 Farthing was used in Ceylon,as was the 1/4 Farthing.The 1/2 Farthing was made legal tender in the U.K. itself in 1842.

The 1/3 Farthing was used only in Malta as a replacement for the copper 1 Grano of the Order of Malta.

Aidan.

[Prosit]

I would suspose a 1/3 farthing wiuld be a very small coin?

Dale

[andyg]

Yes it was, but there were plenty of other small coins.

I've included a US cent for comparison.
I'd imagine that it's purchasing power is probably equivalent to the Quarter Farthing....

[BCNumismatics]

Andy,
  Those silver coins were also issued only in the colonies,especially the 3 Halfpence & the King William IV 3d..The Maundy 2d. of 1838 & 1843 were also struck for circulation in the colonies,which is most unusual.

The 1860 3 Halfpence is one coin that never turns up.I haven't got that one,but I do have a holed example of the 1862 3 Halfpence though.

Aidan.

[Figleaf]

While it is true that the silver coins pictured were struck for the British colonies, in order to match local and colonial coinage, for some denominations there are more versions for home use than for colonial use. Those, e.g. struck under Elizabeth I, were for home use.

Peter