A copper farthing of Charles I, rose type with single-arched crown, 1636-1644.
The obverse reads CAROLV D G MA BRI. The reverse reads FRA ET HI REX. The whole legend thus reads Carolus Dei Gratia Magnae Britanniae Franciae et Hiberniae Rex: Charles, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Ireland.
Between 1613 and 1644 the English Crown granted a series of patents to private individuals, allowing them to mint and issue copper farthings. These were introduced to address a severe shortage of small change, as the Royal Mint did not produce base-metal coins at the time.
A full typology of James I and Charles I copper farthings is available at British Farthings.
Found 12 October 2021
ID: 90048
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