Victorian Farthing Help

[Dan 0]

Hi

I found a pretty worn coin (my first!) using my new metal detector.

The diameter of the coin is 21mm and features the outline of Britannia and what I think is a date starting with 18 underneath her. I cant make out the next two numbers. The other side of the coin is completely worn. I'm guessing because the state of the coin is pretty bad, you can allow for another 1mm to add to the diameter making it 22mm - Now, I have absolutely no coin knowledge so have been doing some searching online and everything seems to point to a young head copper farthing 1838 - 1860. But from what I have read the date is on the obverse side which confuses me as I am fairly sure i can read 18## underneath Britannia.

I've tried to take a photo of the date but you just cant see it on the pc screen - it is so faint, but im convinced its not the rose and thistle.

Is there a rare farthing from this period where the date is on the obverse side?

Can anybody help?

Many thanks

Dan

[Dan 0]

Just a quick edit, as i cant seem to change my original post. but in my last line i meant to say:

Is there a rare farthing from this period where the date is on the reverse side? (The side with britannia on)

Edited April 2, 2013 by Dan

[Colin G. 147]

Just a quick edit, as i cant seem to change my original post. but in my last line i meant to say:

Is there a rare farthing from this period where the date is on the reverse side? (The side with britannia on)

Dan,

Welcome to the forum, it will be difficult to give nay advice without a photo of the coin, there are just so many possibilities. Even if the picture is not brilliant at least we should be able to narrow it down for you. Out of curiosity which way is Britannia facing?

Edited April 2, 2013 by Colin G.

[Peter 615]

If the date is on the reverse it will be between 1860-99...however these are bronze farthings and 20mm dia.

The early Victoria farthings are copper and 22mm with the date on the obverse.

Some of George 1V farthings have the date on the reverse and are 22mm.

There are rarer dates and neigh impossible dates but if yours is in poor condition it will not be sought by collectors and really

is just a bit of history.

[Dan 0]

Thanks for your reply Colin, she is facing right as I look at her. I've attached a shot taken from my mobile - the best i can do where i am at the moment. But you can just about make out the 18 in the date. There is a tiny white dot underneath her and the number 8 (from what i can tell) is directly below that dot.

Thanks

Dan

[Peter 615]

If it is 22mm dia it is a 1st issue George 1V dated between 1821-26

[Colin G. 147]

Yup Peter is spot on you have a George IV farthing

[Dan 0]

Brilliant, that's great to know! Hardly in the best condition but hey a nice find for my first coin. I'm chuffed to bits so thank you all very much for your help

Cheers

[Stockportjohn 0]

Brilliant, that's great to know! Hardly in the best condition but hey a nice find for my first coin. I'm chuffed to bits so thank you all very much for your help

Cheers

Hi Dan,

Just out of interest which metal detector are you using?

I started metal detecting about a year or so ago.

My first coin was a 18th Century Half Crown which was amazing when it popped up.

Regards

John

[Dan 0]

Hi John

I'm using a Viking 6. I wasnt sure how serious I would find the hobby so I Thought it best to start off with something cheapish but with a good name behind it and the Viking 6 fitted both of those. I'm really pleased with it so far and am seriously hooked now

Hopefully I can invest in a better detector later next year but as I've just treated myself to a Garrett pro pointer (couldn't resist) the Viking will do for now.

Tried a few beaches but not much luck. I Found the coin in my parents garden which is next to a large field. So im now planning to contact some local (Norfolk) farm land owners.