William IV 1830-1837 AD - Fractional Farthing

Fractional farthings were initially introduced in 1827, in the form of a third farthing in Malta. These fractional coins were produced to accommodate the differences in living costs between some of the colonies and the UK. It was found that some of the colonies required smaller denominations to facilitate local trade and therefore they were produced as a colonial currency, but are commonly recognised as part of the British pre-decimal currency system.

Although part of the British imperial coinage, third-farthings were never legal tender in the United Kingdom. They were made for use in Malta, where they corresponded in value with the old Maltese grano issued before Malta became a British possession. From 1827 to 1844 they were struck in copper with the seated figure of Britannia on the reverse and from 1866 to 1913 in bronze with their value within a wreath.