A farthing (meaning fourth part) was a British coin worth one quarter of a penny. Such coins were first minted in England in the 13th century.
Prior to the 13th century, requirements for small change were often met by “cut coinage” i.e. pennies cut into halves or quarters, usually along the cross which formed a prominent part of the reverse of the coin. In the reign of King Edward I (1272-1307) silver farthing coins were produced and continued to be used although the composition and design changed over time. By 1956 it was apparent that due to inflation the farthing had outlived its usefulness, and minting ceased after that year. Yet the farthing’s buying power in 1956 would be almost 2 pence in 2006 values. The farthing ceased to be legal tender after 31 December 1960.
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