Victoria - Half Farthing 1844 - Kingdom of Great Britain (ex.2)

Country: Great Britain, Victoria Queen.
Type: Standard circulation coin
Years: 1844 (1839-1856)
Value: 1/2 Farthing = 1/96 Shilling (1/1920 LSD)
Metal: Copper
Weight: 2.3 g
Diameter: 18 mm
Shape: Round
Mintage: 6,451,000
Grade: VF30
Orientation: Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized:  Yes =12-31-1869
References: KM# 738 // Sp# 3951

Obverse:
First uncrowned portrait ('Young Head') of Queen Victoria left, legend around.

Lettering: VICTORIA D:G: BRITANNIAR: REGINA F:D:

Translation: Victoria by the Grace of God Queen of the Britons Defender of the Faith

Engraver: William Wyon

Reverse:
Central crowned denomination above date with rose, thistle and shamrock below date.

Note: 1839-dated issues bear only a rose below date

Lettering:
HALF
FARTHING
1844

Edge:
Plain

Comments:
Originally struck for use in Ceylon with only a Tudor rose below the date (see below), from 1842 they were made legal tender in the UK and produced with the three national flower emblems below the date. The standard weight of these pieces was 1/12 ounce avoirdupois (36.5 grains), leading to much criticism that they were far too small a denomination. The series lasted until 1869 when the coin was demonetized, the last date issued for circulation being 1856.

Riferimento : KM# 738 // Sp# 3951

Fonte : https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces8...

Collezione : Victoria - Queen Empress (1837-1901) of Great Britain & British India