Introduction
A short series, with interesting varieties for 1953. 1956 is a little scarcer than the other dates, although most surviving specimens are in high grade.
The Elizabeth II Farthing was struck in 1953 and 1954 only, making it the shortest-lived denomination of the reign and one of the final British farthings ever produced. This page provides an overview of the Elizabeth II Farthing series, including the 1953 obverse varieties, design details, and reference images for both dates.
The farthing had become almost entirely redundant in everyday commerce by the early 1950s, and its abolition was a matter of when rather than if. The Elizabeth II series consists of just two dates before the denomination was demonetised on 1 January 1961. Both dates are readily available in high grade relative to their actual surviving numbers, as a significant proportion were preserved at the time due to their collectors' appeal.
- 1953 – Coronation year issue; two obverses recorded. Struck primarily for the presentation set and rarely encountered in true circulation grades.
- 1954 – The final year of production for the British farthing. The last farthings were demonetised in 1961.
Coinage Details
Design — The obverse throughout the series carries the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Mary Gillick. The reverse continues the wren design introduced in 1937 under George VI, attributed to Harold Wilson Parker, depicting a wren perched on a branch — one of the most charming and distinctive reverse designs in twentieth-century British coinage.
1953 — Two obverses are recorded for the 1953 farthing, following the same pattern as the other Coronation year denominations. Obverse 2 pieces in undamaged high grade are scarcer; the majority of pristine survivors derive from the original presentation sets of that year.
1954 — The 1954 farthing is the final issue of the denomination and the last farthing struck for general circulation in British coinage history. Production ceased after this date and the coin was demonetised on 1 January 1961. Despite being the last of the type, 1954 farthings are not particularly rare, and examples in high grade can be found without great difficulty.
Elizabeth II Farthing Issues
1953 1+A
1953 1+B
1953 2+A
1953 2+B
1954
1955
1956
Specifications
| Years Issued |
1953–1956 |
| Diameter |
20 mm |
| Weight |
2.83 g |
| Edge |
Plain |
| Alloy |
Copper: 95.5%, Tin: 3% Zinc: 1.5% |
| Obverse Designer |
Mary Gillick |
| Reverse Designer |
Harold Wilson Parker |
Year-by-Year Reference
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In summary...
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1954
| Obverse |
Reverse |
 |
|
1955
| Obverse |
Reverse |
 |
|
1956
| Obverse |
Reverse |
|
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