Finally, I end this time with yet 'another' tiny farthing. I perhaps should mention that non of these coins were discovered in the same field, they have been sat waiting to be identified for several weeks now. I should also add that all they received was a rinse under the tap. Goes to show what different soil conditions do to silver. So this farthing weighs 0.3grams and is 10mm in diameter. Any help with identifying the jolly King is much welcomed. Thank you as always.
Are these farthings or pennies? You're right, so many of the Kings seem to have used the same portrait.
Some of them, like Richard I, the Lion Hearted, and John, used the same name, Henry. Attributing some of these coins, especially the half pennies and farthings is a heavy load. That gets impossible if the coin is badly worn or incomplete.
Quite true, the series is complex - differentiation often down to letter shape and the like. This coin is easy due to condition. Looks like Sear 1445A, class 3d Farthing (1280-1).
I have not advanced to point that can do the tiny half pennies and farthings. The pennies have been enough of a challenge. I have to take a photo and put it on my computer screen. Books, like the two volume North reference, have photos that are very small and too grainy for the really small coins. The British need to publish some books with blown up photos.
This has been done of course - Paul Withers at Galata is the man for it. The Galata Guide to THE PENNIES OF EDWARD I and II. The Galata Guide to Small Change. Silver farthings, halfpennies and three-farthings 1279-1660 Probably more than you want to know about it..
