Posted 01/16/2010 11:24 pm
Victorian farthings could be a very interesting set to collect. A lot of varieties throughout the reign.
Interesting fact, while minting copper farthings (till 1860) they used the same obverse dies as for sovereigns. But since the gold coins were considered much more important, the dies were used for the gold first. After they showed signs of wear they'd be "moved" into farthing production. Therefore, in general, the copper farthings were of poorer quality. In 1860 they switched to bronze and redesigned the obverse to the "mature young" head. The gold coins remained with the "young young" head until the jubilee and veiled effigies came up.
Interesting fact, while minting copper farthings (till 1860) they used the same obverse dies as for sovereigns. But since the gold coins were considered much more important, the dies were used for the gold first. After they showed signs of wear they'd be "moved" into farthing production. Therefore, in general, the copper farthings were of poorer quality. In 1860 they switched to bronze and redesigned the obverse to the "mature young" head. The gold coins remained with the "young young" head until the jubilee and veiled effigies came up.
