This is a 2-part Trivia: Part One: The Farthing. The word and denomination "Farthing" is derived from a practice that developed shortly after British coinage began. In order to provide change for customers, British merchants would cut coins into four pieces. This practice became so prevalent in Britain the monarchy decided to have the mint(s) produce coins with a cross on the reverse of the coins as a guide to create conformity in size. Today this practice is called "cut-coinage." In Anglo-Saxon Britain it was called "feorthing." To aid the poor, even the Penny carried the "fourthling " (English corruption pronunciation) cross on its reverse. During the late 1000s the word was further corrupted to "farthling." During the 1100s the word was even more corrupted to "farthing" and became the denomination designation for the "fourth part of a Penny." In the 1200's the Crown authorized the striking of a "Farthing" round coin. In the beginning "Farthings" were composed of silver. Later, some regents, authorized copper or bronze coins. Here's a photo of a "Farthing" issued during the reign of Edward I. Note it bears the cutting guide cross on its reverse. Quarter-farthings, Third-farthings and Half-farthings were struck in later years of British coinage (many fractional "Farthings" were created for use in British protectorates, possessions, and territorities). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Edward-i-farthing.jpg NOTE: The first of the fractional farthings to be issued was the third-farthing (copper) which, throughout the period of issue from 1827 to 1913, was minted solely for use in Malta. The island used British coins, but the grano, dating from before British rule, was valued at a twelfth of a penny. As a result the decision was made to coin the equivalent in a British denomination. Copper half farthings were authorized by George IV, William IV, and Victoria. Here's a photo courtersy of United Kingdom Coin Pics): http://www.ukcoinpics.co.uk/w4/frac/tf35.jpg A composition change to all of Britain's minor coinage (copper to bronze) came in 1860. Here's a photo of the reverse (countesy of UK Coin Pics): http://www.ukcoinpics.co.uk/qv/frac/tf85.jpg Half-farthings were issued a year later than the third-farthing for use exclusively in Ceylon. However, in 1842 it was made legal tender in the UK despite much criticism for being far too small a denomination. The series lasted until 1869 when the coin was demonetized, the last date issued for circulation being 1856. They were generally treated as curiosities, and weigh about 2.4g with a diameter of 18mm. All are copper except for the 1868 proofs (silver). Thanks to Spinks and their coin archives we can now see an image of the Half-fartrhing that were aurgorized by Kings George IV and William IV: http://www.ukcoinpics.co.uk/g4/frac/hf28.jpg Here's the reverse of the 1839 Half-farthing of Queen Victoria courtesy of ukcoinpics.com: http://www.ukcoinpics.co.uk/qv/frac/hf39.jpg Of Interest: The majority of issued Half-farthings are dated 1844, tghus are readily available and affordable from coin dealers (pic courtesy of ukcoinpics.com): http://www.ukcoinpics.co.uk/qv/frac/hf44.jpg 1868 proofs only were struck in bronze and cupro-nickle. The proof versions issued in 1853 proof sets had coin rather than medal orientation, although medal reverse proofs (not offered in sets) are known. There is an interesting and much sought after 1844 variety where the E of REGINA was mis-stamped N. Here's a photo courtesy of ukcoinpics.uk: http://www.ukcoinpics.co.uk/qv/frac/hf44oe.jpg Two other varieties are even rarer - 1851 over 5851 and 1851 over 1801 (no pics). All silver "Farthings" are rare. The quarter farthing was issued for use only in Ceylon between 1839 and 1853, and was never legal tender in the UK. However, they are usually considered to be part of the British coin series, as Ceylon used British currency at that time. They are the smallest sized British coins, having a diameter of 13.5mm and weighing just 1.2g. Besides the copper circulation issues of 1839 and 1851-3, bronze and cupronickel proofs dated 1868 are also known. photo courtesy of ukcoinpics.uk: http://www.ukcoinpics.co.uk/qv/frac/qf52.jpg Part Two: She paid for it with her life. In pre 1789 Britain, the execution laws for just about any infraction demanded the violater be burned at the stake. The, more civil, 1789 populus demaned a change so the method of execution became the gallows. The last female to be burned at the stake in England was Christian Bowman. Her crime was making counterfeit coins. Thought you should know... Clinker
Hi bobbeth87.... Been too long since you commented on one of my trivias Good to read your comment and I "Thank You" for doing so....:high5: Clinker
Welcome mpcusa... to the list of those who read one of my trivias and tendered a positive comment...:hug: Clinker
