What are fractional farthings?
Fractional farthings are British pre-decimal coins with face values smaller than a farthing. The most commonly collected denominations are the half farthing, third farthing and quarter farthing. They are a niche area of collecting because they were produced for very small transactions and were not issued across as many periods as larger denominations.
What is the difference between a half farthing, third farthing and quarter farthing?
The difference is the face value. A half farthing is half of a farthing, a third farthing is one third of a farthing, and a quarter farthing is one quarter of a farthing. Collectors often start by choosing the denomination they want, then narrow down by monarch, type and condition.
How much were fractional farthings worth in old money?
A farthing was worth one quarter of a penny (¼d), so fractional farthings were worth even less than that. These tiny values were useful in everyday transactions at the time, but they became impractical as prices changed. Today, their interest is mainly historical and collectable rather than connected to face value.
Which monarchs appear on fractional farthings?
Fractional farthings were issued in specific periods, so you will often see monarch portraits such as George III and Victoria depending on the type. Collectors often choose by monarch and portrait style, especially when building a small type set. The listing photos and titles confirm the exact monarch for each coin.
What metals are fractional farthings made from?
Many fractional farthings are copper, although metal can vary by type and period. For collectors, metal is usually less important than the exact type, date and condition, but it can still be a useful detail when comparing coins. The listing details will confirm what you are buying.
What affects the value of fractional farthings?
Value is usually influenced by type, condition, and collector demand, with date and scarcity playing a role for certain issues. Because this is a more specialised area, some types are harder to find than others, and condition can make a noticeable difference. The best approach is to compare like for like, the same denomination and type, then look at condition.
Are fractional farthings rare?
Some fractional farthings are genuinely scarce, but “rare” depends on the exact denomination, type and condition. Many collectors use this area to build a small type set, while others look for particular dates or higher grade examples. The listing details will help you see exactly what is being offered.
What years were fractional farthings used?
Fractional farthings were issued over relatively limited periods compared with many British denominations, which is part of their appeal. The simplest way to shop is to use the dates shown on each listing and compare the photos for the type you want. If you are looking for a particular denomination or monarch, site search can help narrow things down quickly.
Do you combine postage on multiple coins, and is there free UK delivery over £50?
Yes, if you order multiple items we will ship them together where possible, and shipping options and costs are shown at checkout. We also offer free UK delivery on orders over £50. This can be a handy way to add a few denominations or types at once.
