Summary
Copper token; Denomination: Farthing
Struck by Ludovic, Duke of Lennox
James I (1603-1625)
Struck and issued under patent granted by James I to Ludovic, Duke of Lennox and James, Marquis of Hamilton either in 1614 (North) or 1622 (Grueber). Being an authorised farthing issue they are termed Royal tokens. The James I Royal tokens were the first copper currency in the English series. A farthing is a 1/4 penny coin. A great difference between the value of the metal and the currency value of these tokens led to extensive forgery and to their widespread unpopularity.
Obverse Description
Two sceptres crossed behind a crown; around, (mm. fusil) IACO D G MAG BRIT
Reverse Description
Harp surmounted by a crown; around, FRA ET HIB REX (mm. fusil)
Edge Description
Plain
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from Melbourne Branch of Royal Mint, 11 Jan 1978
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Date Issued
1614-1625 AD
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Person Named
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Denomination
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Series
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Material
Copper
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Axis
12
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
16 mm (Outside Diameter), 0.668 g (Weight)
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Shape
Round
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References
[Book] North, J. J. 1963. English Hammered Coinage., North 2134 Pages
[Book] Skingley, Philip. 2007. Coins of England and the United Kingdom., Spink 2678 Pages