Farthing Key-Ring - George V

Product Description: This George V Farthing Key-Ring is made using an original farthing coin of George V. It is supplied on a quality key-chain. The key-ring is presented on a Nostalgic Britain key-ring header card, which has an image of the royal coat of arms on the front with the title “Original Coin” above.

Information: The farthing (meaning four part) was worth one quarter of a penny and 1/960th of a pound. The first farthings were made by cutting pennies into quarters, however, during the 13th century a small silver farthing was introduced.

The King George V farthings were made from bronze with the obverse showing a portrait of the king, and Britannia on the reverse. Until 1917, farthings were issued in an artificially toned state so that they would not be confused with the half-sovereign.

The obverse of the George VI farthing shows a portrait of the king, but Britannia was dropped from the reverse for the first time since 1672 and replaced by one of Britain’s smallest birds, the Wren. This reverse remained in use for the remainder of the coins existence.

By 1956 it was apparent that due to inflation the farthing had outlived its usefulness and minting stopped a year later. The farthing ceased to be legal tender after 31st December 1960.