Victoria 1837-1901 AD - Half Farthing

Half farthings (1828 - 1856) were produced to be used in Ceylon. The reasoning behind the introduction was similar to the third farthing in that it facilitated local trade, and yet remained in line with the British Currency. Half Farthings actually became legal tender in the UK in 1842 although they were not popular due to the fact they were considered to be a denomination that was too small.

This was 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.

Those issued by Victoria have a reverse which reads HALF FARTHING with a crown above and the date below. Below that there was a rose with three leaves for the issue of 1839, which was changed to a rose, thistle and shamrock thereafter when the coin became valid throughout the UK. The obverse for the Victorian coins is identical to that of the Maundy Fourpence.

Bronze and cupronickel proofs dated 1868 was made in the same design, but none of that date were issued for circulation.
The vast majority of issued coins are dated 1844, and this is certainly reflected in dealers' stocks.
The proof versions issued in 1853 proof sets had coin rather than medal orientation of the reverse, although medal reverse proofs are known.

There is an interesting and very collectable variety of the 1844 coin where the E of REGINA had clearly been mis-stamped N originally. The 1851 over 5851 and 1851 over 1801 varieties are less popular and much more elusive.