1 Farthing - Charles II

Features

Issuer England (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies)
King Charles II (1660-1685)
Type Standard circulation coin
Years 1684-1685
Value 1 Farthing (1⁄960)
Currency Pound sterling (1158-1970)
Composition Bimetallic: copper centre in tin ring (copper plug)
Weight 5.6 g
Diameter 23.5 mm
Shape Round
Orientation Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized 31 December 1869
Number
N#
27923
References Sp# 3395,
Emma Howard (editor); 2021. Standard Catalogue of British Coins : Coins of England & the United Kingdom Pre-Decimal Issues (56th edition). Spink & Son, London, United Kingdom.
And 2 more volumes.
KM# 436.2
Tracy L. Schmidt (editor); 2019. Standard Catalog of World Coins / 2001-Date (14th edition). Krause Publications, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, United States.
And 5 more volumes.

Obverse

Laureate and cuirassed bust of King Charles II facing right, legend around.

Script: Latin

Lettering: CAROLVS·A· CAROLO

Translation: Charles son of Charles

Reverse

Seated figure of Britannia facing left, holding spear in left hand, olive branch in right, shield with Union flag resting at left, legend around.

Script: Latin

Lettering: BRITAN NIA ·

Edge

Incuse date

Comments

The original standard weight for these pieces was 80 to the pound avoirdupois (1/5 ounce or 87.5 grains each).

Following is an excerpt from the Department of Special Collections at the University of Notre Dame Libraries:

"Near the end of his reign Charles began a process that would free the mint from dependence on imported copper. Hoping to assist the ailing British tin industry as well as obtaining a higher minting profit for himself, Charles began minting tin farthings. The warrant to produce these coins was awarded to the partnership of John Buckworth, Thomas Neale, Charles Dunucombe and James Hoare on June 20, 1684. A square plug of copper was added to the centre as an anti counterfeiting measure. The tin farthings were produced from 1684 through 1685."

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Date VG F VF XF AU UNC Frequency
1684  Photo 78%
1685  33%

Frequencies show the percentage of Numista users who own each year or variety among all the users who own this coin. Since some users own several versions, the sum may be greater than 100%.

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Numista Rarity index: 89 Search tips
This index is based on the data of Numista members collections. It ranges from 0 to 100, 0 meaning a very common coin or banknote and 100 meaning a rare coin or banknote among Numista members.

Past sales

Pictures Sale Date Version Grade Sold price
Picture 1 of a sold 1 Farthing - Charles IIPicture 1 of a sold 1 Farthing - Charles IIPicture 1 of a sold 1 Farthing - Charles IIPicture 1 of a sold 1 Farthing - Charles II
Heritage Auctions
2023 October 22 - 23 Spotlight: Great Britain World Coins Showcase Auction 61344
Lot 25064
Internet Archive
22 Oct 2023 1684 UNC
(NGC UNC Details (Environmental Damage))
USD 840.00
(incl. buyer's premium)
Picture 1 of a sold 1 Farthing - Charles IIPicture 1 of a sold 1 Farthing - Charles IIPicture 1 of a sold 1 Farthing - Charles IIPicture 1 of a sold 1 Farthing - Charles II
Heritage Auctions
2019 April 25 - 29 Central States World Coins & Ancient Coins Signature Auction - Chicago 3073
Lot 31082
Internet Archive
29 Apr 2019 1684 AU
(NGC AU55)
USD 3120.00
(incl. buyer's premium)
See the sales

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