Anyone know of a good book on milled Farthings?

StubbyMcNumbthumbs · January 10, 2009 9:18PM

Before I've realized it, I've sort of started collecting these and thought it would be a fun series. There seems to be a decent supply of most years going back to Charles I that can be had without too much pain. A type set to begin with, and fill in the gaps where I can seems like a good way to start.
Anyone else collect Farthings? (English / regal, not tokens or colonies).

Are there any good books covering the basics (sort of like a RedBook - i.e. mintages, specs, major variations, etc)?

Hey - Show us your Farthings!!!

Thanks!

Hussulo · January 10, 2009 9:27PM

My aim is to collect a full set of fractional farthings. I have started with the 1/3 farthings.

You can see most of my collection of them here:
http://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/Composite.aspx?c=1506

There were 12 business issues struck the last one being 1913.

1 for George IV
1 for William IV
8 for Victoria
1 for Edward VII
1 for George V

You can see most on my website by clicking on a ruler i.e Victoria and the 1/3 farthings:

CoinsGB.com

Below is a very good reference website on farthings and their fractions:

http://www.aboutfarthings.co.uk/index.html

which you might find useful.

coinkat · January 10, 2009 10:18PM

I would suggest one of the Peck Books

7Jaguars · January 10, 2009 11:21PM

Michael Freeman for post 1860 coins, this just reissued about two years ago....

cwt · January 11, 2009 9:08AM

If you like farthings, you may also want to check out dealer Neil Paisley's website at Link

coachleonard · January 11, 2009 12:33PM

i love the old farthings-- read up on the James I and Charles I patent farthings. They have Colonial America connections (as do the later farthings as well)!

StubbyMcNumbthumbs · January 11, 2009 1:48PM

Thanks everyone for your input!

Actually, I already had all the web sites mentioned bookmarked and have spent quite a bit of time studying them and anything else I can find. I just didn't know if there was a good study on early farthings. I have actually submitted some photos to Colin Goode (AboutFarthings.co.uk) and it seems I may have a variety he has not seen. Still waiting on the final verdict.

I have books on other series that I have collected over the years, such as Overtons book on Early Bust Halves, Michael Marsh's books on the Sovereign and Half Soveriegn (both nicely inscribed to me from the author - Thanks Michael!), and others. I do have a Krause, but only for the twentieth century.

I just wasn't sure if there was a "definitive work on British Farthings" out there to be had. Seems like a big void if there isn't!

So, the search continues...

Hussulo · January 12, 2009 2:35AM

I just wasn't sure if there was a "definitive work on British Farthings" !

Not to my knowledge.

As mentioned Peck covers them but his book is out of print and hard to come by. Freeman's book is great but it only covers the bronze coinage. Another is The British Bronze Coinage 1860-1869, Michael Gouby.

newbiecollector · January 12, 2009 2:59AM

My poor little farthing. Not exactly what you were speaking of.

I like it and it looks better in hand. It is also soaking in olive oil now.

Please for give the bad photo

Anyone know of a good book on milled Farthings?

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