Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 1 Farthing 1911-1925, KM# 808, United Kingdom (Great Britain), George V
  • 1 Farthing 1911-1925, KM# 808, United Kingdom (Great Britain), George V
Description

The British farthing (¼d) coin, from "fourthing", was a unit of currency of one-quarter of a penny. It was minted in bronze and replaced the earlier copper farthings. It was used during the reign of six monarchs: Victoria, Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII, George VI and Elizabeth II, ceasing to be legal tender in 1960. It featured two different designs on its reverse during its one hundred years in circulation: from 1860 until 1936, the image of Britannia; and from 1937 onwards, the image of a wren.

George V (1865–1936) was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India, from 6 May 1910 until his death in 1936. He was the only Emperor of India to be present at his own Delhi Durbar. His reign saw the rise of socialism, communism, fascism, Irish republicanism, and the Indian independence movement, all of which radically changed the political landscape. In 1917, George became the first monarch of the House of Windsor, which he renamed from the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha as a result of anti-German public sentiment.

Obverse

Bare head of King George V facing left; below on the neck engraver's initials.

The legend is an abbreviated translation of “George the Fifth by the Grace of God King of all the Britains Defender of the Faith Emperor of India”.

Engraver: Edgar Bertram MacKennal

GEORGIVS V DEI GRA:BRITT:OMN:REX FID:DEF:IND:IMP:
B.M.

Reverse

Seated Britannia facing right, wearing a plumed helmet, sandals and long flowing robes. Her right hand rests on a large oval shield bearing the combined crosses of the Union Flag, and the left hand is holding a plain trident. Value lettering surrounding, date underneath, sea behind.

Engraver: Leonard Charles Wyon

FARTHING
1912

Edge
Characteristics
Material Bronze
Weight 2.83 g
Diameter 20 mm
Thickness 1.3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Alt # KM# 808.1, KM# 808.2
Mint
Royal Mint

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