Charles II Tin Farthings 1684

The 1684 Farthing - Charles II (Tin)

Charles II Tin farthing with copper plug. The coin is dated on the edge. The reason this was made in tin rather than copper (which was used in previous years) was said to help the tin mining industry.

Making the coin in tin meant that the value of the metal was less than the face value of the coin itself. This situation often invites counterfeiters so a copper plug was created in the centre to make forgery more difficult.

The design was based on the earlier copper versions and it reminds me of a Roman coin. Top quality specimens are hard to find as tin does corrode. SCBC 3395 and there are various edge varieties. Made at the Tower Mint (Royal Mint) in London. Diameter 23mm and weighs 5.27g.

The Reverse shows Britannia sitting on a globe, facing left, holding a spear and olive branch. Her left hand rests on a shield showing a combination of the flags of St George and St Andrew. Legend is BRITANNIA.

The edge has the lettering NVMMORVM * FAMVLVS * 1684 * in raised letters. The meaning is 'servant of the coinage' suggesting the coin was a token and the metal value is less than the denomination.

The Obverse shows a laureate bust of Charles II facing left and wearing armour. Legend is CAROLVS . A . CAROLO. meaning Charles after Charles, that is Charles II, and acknowledging his father Charles I.

Image credit: Museums Victoria.

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