Victorian Copper Farthing Reverses

[Colin G. 147]

I am not far off uploading the "new look" Victorian Copper series on my website, and thought I would get the forum users feedback on a recent discovery. It would appear that through collaboration with a fellow numismatist, a new Reverse type has been identified within this series.

The change in design is very consistent across the dates, and has clear date spans (1838 - 1845 for Reverse type A and 1843 - 1859 for Reverse type B. This currently results in both Reverse types being available for farthings dating 1843 - 1845 and both types can be fairly easily obtained.

From the information we have studied there is obviously the potential for 1841 & 1842 farthings with Reverse type B and also an 1846 Reverse type A, with the 1842 being the most likely possibility.

The link below gives more detail and highlights the identifying features with each characteristic detailed under magnification via a hyperlink. It is only accessible via this link however links to the page on the website will be included in the near future.

http://www.aboutfarthings.co.uk/Victorian%20Copper%20Reverse%20Types.html

Following Rob's recent discussions about the 1839 proofs, it is interesting to note that all proofs have the "expected" combinations, with no 1839 proof Reverse type B farthings identified to date, which is a shame because it would have given some evidence that these were being struck later than 1843.

The two noted anomolies are the 1860 proof and 1864 copper farthings which appear to have type A reverses which is quite strange. The "currency" example in the 1860 farthing in the Oxford collection appears to have Reverse type B. If the utilising of old proof dies were the explanation for the 1860 and 1864 proof strikes, it would have been more likely that the Reverse dies from the 1853 proofs should have been available.

There is definitely additional study to be undertaken trawling through back catalogues etc, but I thought some early information may assist with the study. However I would be very interested in hearing from any collectors who have any examples of farthing types that do not conform to the above guidance.

Edited August 6, 2013 by Colin G.

[Coinery 1,157]

Great work, Colin, and a great find! Almost makes me want to focus on farthings! Well, Threefarthings, at least!

[Colin G. 147]

The threefarthings...definitely fits into my collecting range

[Peter 615]

I intend to get my farthings out tonight.I have plans on rearranging my cabinet again plus I have many new varieties to fill some blank spaces

[Peckris 579]

I intend to get my farthings out tonight.I have plans on rearranging my cabinet again plus I have many new varieties to fill some blank spaces

So that's what Mrs Peter calls them?

[Gary 7]

HI Colin have had a look at my Farthings and have come up with the following, see below.

The 1843 may be of interest as the coin exhibits all the characteristics of Rev A except the plume does not reach the shoulder.

Viewed with a x10 glass it does not seem to be because of a worn Die!

Plus an 1839 with Die Flaw along arm.

1839 Rev A EF 4,7g 2 Prong FID.DEF GRATIA both A`s barred arm Die flaw

1843 Rev ? gVF arm Die flaw and Trident joins thigh, Plume complete, straight Mouth but plume finishes short of shoulder

ps Good work

Edited August 9, 2013 by Gary

[Colin G. 147]

I have an 1840 with a faint trace of the flaw along the arm, and being a flaw it is inevitably a progressive indicator, but it would be good to see images of them if you have the time? You can e-mail them direct if you prefer. Thanks for having a look through, I think we have checked against several hundred examples and the indicators have been consistent, but a wider specimen will inevitably throw up some interesting examples.

[scott 144]

i got this oddity that isn't there lookslike a late die, FID. and DEF : very weak, probaly not what you are looking for but.

Edited August 9, 2013 by scott