A copper farthing of Charles I, Richmond type with single-arched crown, 1625-34.
The obverse reads CARO D G MAG BRIT. The reverse reads FRA ET HIB 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. This farthing was minted between 1625 and 1634 under a royal patent originally granted to Ludovic, Duke of Richmond, and held by Frances Stewart and Sir Francis Crane.
A full typology of James I and Charles I copper farthings is available at British Farthings.
Found 30 April 2022
ID: 90132
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