A Brief History Of The Farthing

This year we are marking the 50th anniversary of decimalisation in Britain, or “Decimal Day” as it became known, by looking back at some of the most iconic British coins, which ceased to be minted following this momentous day for British coinage.

The farthing had actually stopped being minted fifteen years earlier in 1956, and it ceased to be legal tender in Britain on the 1st January 1961, but continued to be used in certain overseas territories until 1970. In recent memory, the farthing will be remembered for the little wren that adorned the reverse, and here, we take a brief look at its history.

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The Threepence – Queen Victoria to Decimalisation

Threepence set

The Threepence or “Thruppence” or “Thrupenny Bit”, as it has often been referred to, is one of the most recognisable coins in British coinage. It has a long history, with many different monarch’s portraits adorning its obverse, and numerous different designs to its reverse. Here we specifically take a look at the coin from the reign of Queen Victoria through to it ceasing to become legal tender due to Decimalisation in 1971.

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What Makes A Coin Collectable?

coin collectable

Coin collecting, as a hobby, can take many forms. From collecting a few coins in a jar that you store at the back of a cupboard or in the attic, to keeping your coins in transparent sleeves in a folder to keep them in good condition and make viewing them easier. You may even have collections of coins that you keep in their original presentation cases, that you have never opened.

But what makes a coin collectable? Here, we take a look at four things that collectors think about when obtaining new additions to their collections.

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Crown Coin

The “Crown” has a long history as a currency coin dating all the way back to the time of Henry VIII. In more recent times the crown has been struck as a commemorative coin to mark significant royal events such as birthdays, weddings or jubilees. Here, we take a look at the crown’s origins and how it has changed since then.

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