Bronze farthing

The bronze farthing was the smallest British bronze denomination of the pre-decimal era, representing one quarter of an old penny or one nine-hundred-and-sixtieth of a pound sterling. Having previously been produced in copper, the first bronze farthings were struck by the Royal Mint in 1860 during the reign of Queen Victoria. Production of the coin continued in most years across successive reigns until 1956, when minting ended, and the denomination ceased to be legal tender on 1 January 1961.

From 1860 until 1937, the reverse featured a seated Britannia holding a trident, designed by Leonard Charles Wyon, with the word 'FARTHING' above. Striking variations over the years included adjustments to the angle of her trident, the sea level, and borders featuring either beading or toothed edges. Between 1860 and 1895, the Britannia design also featured a lighthouse to her left and a ship to her right. In 1937, the reverse design was replaced by a wren, adapted from an unissued pattern coin prepared for Edward VIII, which remained on circulating issues until the final minting in 1956.

Seven monarchical obverses were used during the bronze farthing's issue. Queen Victoria appeared first with the draped 'bun head' portrait and later, from 1895, with the veiled 'old head' bust. Farthings of Edward VII and George V bore their respective likenesses and imperial titles. George VI farthings retained the emperor of India title until 1949, after which the inscription was shortened. The obverse displays the reigning British monarch, ranging from Queen Victoria's draped bust through to Queen Elizabeth II.