Bulk Lot of 1000 Copper Farthings
A fantastic range of farthings - mixed grades and dates.
$395.00
1 In Stock
Recent Sales in this Category
1kg Kilo Bag of Mixed Post 1946 (50% Pure) Australian Silver Coins ASW=0.50kg
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$830.00
Bulk Lot of 1000 Copper Farthings
Each coin included has the following specifications:
Alloy: Copper | Diameter: 20.00mm | Weight: 2.83g
A fantastic range of farthings - mixed grades and dates.
Copper farthings are a small British coin that were first minted in the 17th century during the reign of Charles II.
Farthings were worth a quarter of a penny, making them the smallest denomination of British currency at the time.
Farthings, as the smallest denomination of British pre-decimal currency, circulated in Australia primarily during the 19th and early 20th centuries, although they were never officially minted there. Their circulation in Australia followed the patterns of British coinage usage in the colonies.
Colonial Adoption of British Coinage
Australia, being part of the British Empire, used British coins for everyday transactions, including farthings, which were worth a quarter of a penny.
Farthings were introduced into Australia as part of general British coin circulation. Since there were no local mints until 1855 (the Sydney Mint), all silver and copper coins were imported from Britain.
Use in Everyday Transactions
Farthings were most commonly used for very small purchases, such as newspapers, lollies, or small quantities of everyday goods like bread or milk.
These coins were valuable in providing exact change, especially for items priced in fractions of pennies, such as when prices were lower and purchasing power was greater.
Scarcity and Token Substitution
Although farthings were part of the currency mix, they were relatively scarce compared to pennies and halfpennies. This shortage of official small-denomination coinage led to businesses issuing tradesmen’s tokens, which often acted as a replacement for farthings and other low-value coins.
Tokens filled gaps in circulation, especially from the mid-19th century onwards, when demand for small change grew. However, official farthings continued to circulate alongside these tokens.
Decline of Farthings’ Usage
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, inflation reduced the farthing’s purchasing power, making it less useful for transactions. Larger denominations like pennies and halfpennies became more practical.
The inconvenience of handling such a small denomination, combined with their diminished relevance in the economy, meant that farthings were used less frequently.
Withdrawal from Circulation
Although they technically remained legal tender, farthings were seldom used by the mid-20th century.
In 1964, two years before Australia officially switched to decimal currency, the government withdrew farthings from circulation. By then, farthings had little practical use in the economy, given the low value they represented.
Collector’s Items
After their withdrawal, farthings became collector’s items, sought after for their historical and numismatic value. The coins remain a reminder of Australia’s colonial monetary system and the British influence on its currency.
The farthings we offer here were all purchased through our shop over the past few years. We buy from local Australians of course, so most of these coins would have circulated here. Some of them we bought from folks who brought them out from the UK when they emigrated, or inherited them from family members there.
For these reasons, most of these coins are dated roughly between 1900 and 1960. Some are earlier than that - I saw one from William and Mary, one from George IV, another really nice Bun Head and a number from KGVI in UNC.
This batch will be great for a collector looking to build out a date set or two (or three!) pretty quickly.
SKU: 213825
Standard Shipping - $9.00
Signature is required on delivery
Express Shipping - $15.00
Signature is required on delivery
Free pick-up from store - $0.00
You're welcome to collect your order from our office (Shop 22; 27-35 William Street; Fremantle; 6160) during normal office hours. Please make sure to check we're open before you head on in!
| SKU | 213825 |
| Shipping Weight | 3.0000kg |
| Shipping Height | 0.001m |
We unconditionally guarantee the authenticity, title and grade of every item we sell. The tax invoices we supply ensure that you have these guarantees in writing.
Please review our Website Terms and Conditions for a complete explanation of the guarantees we provide.
All items ship within 24 hours of confirmed payment being received.
Please review our Website Terms and Conditions for a complete explanation of our availability guarantee.
All orders are delivered via trackable and insured mail at a flat rate of $9 for orders within Australia, and $25 internationally.
Australia Post Parcel Post within Australia can take up to 1 week to arrive, while EMS / ECI international mail can take up to 3 weeks.
Urgent orders can be sent via Australia Post Express Mail at special request.
Please review our Website Terms and Conditions for a complete explanation of our delivery guarantee.
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About the Sterling & Currency Team
The team at Sterling & Currency is a family affair – small but growing. Andrew Crellin is the main dealer in the business, click here to read this credentials and how he started with the Perth Mint; spent a decade in Sydney working with two leading dealers and relocated back to Perth in 2006.
Jo is our budding Numismatist, Chief Event officer, Photographer and Packing Extraordinaire. Natalie is our media creator and photographer. Nicole manages the accounts and is part of the Packing Team. A myriad of important duties are carried out by the team that include photography, website updates, office admin, and chocolate eating.
Ruby the Ridgeback quite frankly has learned nothing about coins, however contributes by barking at anyone wearing hi-viz.
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Australian Gold Coins
We have extensive experience in handling all Australian gold soveriegns and halves, from the Adelaide Pounds of 1852 right through to the last coins of George V of 1931. All of the Australian gold coins in our online shop are described in detail with high resolution images.
Coins
At Sterling & Currency, we specialize in handling Australian coins dating from our nation's settlement in 1788 through to the introduction of decimal currency in 1966. We have an extensive range in our online store of Australian gold, copper and silver coins.
Decimal Coins
The Australian proof and UNC coins struck by the Perth Mint and the Royal Australian Mint are the most accessible coins available to collectors today. If you're not able to find a particular coin that you're keen to add to your collection, let us know and we'll be contact you when it becomes available.