0
R0.00
COINS
United Kingdom – 1844 ½ Farthing – Victoria (1st Portrait) (KM#738)
United Kingdom – 1844 ½ Farthing – Victoria (1st Portrait) (KM#738) - Image 2

United Kingdom – 1844 ½ Farthing – Victoria (1st Portrait) (KM#738)

R80.00

Charming early Victorian copper half farthing from 1844 featuring the young head portrait of Queen Victoria and the classic Britannia reverse.

Country/Issuer
United Kingdom
Year
1843
Denomination
Half Farthing
Metal/Composition
Copper
Est. Grade
Very Fine
Notes
Mintage 3 440 600 Originally struck for use in Ceylon with only a Tudor rose below the date (see below), from 1842 they were made legal tender in the UK and produced with the three national flower emblems below the date. The standard weight of these pieces was 1/12 ounce avoirdupois (36.5 grains), leading to much criticism that they were far too small a denomination. The series lasted until 1869 when the coin was demonetized, the last date issued for circulation being 1856.

Sold

This copy has found a new home. We buy and source books like this, so WhatsApp us and we will look out for another copy for you.

In stock now, like this one

This product is currently out of stock.

Enter your email and we'll notify you as soon as it's back!

Share This Coin
Coin Description

The 1844 United Kingdom ½ Farthing was issued during the early reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901). This tiny denomination represents one of the smallest-value coins ever struck for circulation in Britain and reflects the economic realities of the mid-19th century, when even very small sums had meaningful purchasing power.

The obverse features the first (young head) portrait of Queen Victoria, showing her facing left with her hair in a bun. The surrounding legend reads “VICTORIA DEI GRATIA”, meaning Victoria by the Grace of God. This portrait was used on early Victorian coinage and is prized by collectors for its classical simplicity.

The reverse displays a seated figure of Britannia, holding a trident and shield, with the sea in the background—an enduring symbol of Britain’s maritime strength and global influence. The denomination “HALF FARTHING” appears in the exergue below, with the date 1844 above the design.

Half farthings were struck primarily for use in certain British colonies where very small denominations were still needed for everyday trade. Their limited practical use and small size meant they were not widely circulated in Britain itself, making surviving examples relatively scarce today.

Struck in copper, these coins are now highly collectible due to their diminutive size, historical interest, and connection to early Victorian coinage.

Coin Specifications

  • Country: United Kingdom

  • Ruler: Queen Victoria

  • Year: 1844

  • Denomination: ½ Farthing

  • Catalogue: KM#738

  • Composition: Copper

  • Weight: approx. 2.36 g

  • Diameter: approx. 18 mm

(MB 26)

Related Products

Related products

Midlands Books & Collectables place picture
Midlands Books & Collectables
5.0
Based on 34 reviews
review us on
Teresa Kearney profile picture
Teresa Kearney
10 months ago
What an amazing shop. And for an indecisive shopper, Robert Cronje’s service selling a book set online that I’d seen in the shop when on holiday and not bought was simply impressive. The book set was wrapped so well it arrived via courier without damage.
S Muel profile picture
S Muel
10 months ago
Another collector (Fynn Lee) had warned us in advance to prepare a lot of time to browse this massive collection, and he was right! The size of the collection is simply immense. But it's still well organized! We had a blast hunting for cool books here. We actually spent over three hours here, thoroughly enjoying ourselves as we went through these cool books. We found so many great books at Midlands. We bought far too many to travel home with, but they were kind enough to ship our books back home for us (overseas).
Andre Britz profile picture
Andre Britz
10 months ago
I highly recommend Midlands Books & Collectibles. Their service was fast and professional with brilliant open and honest communication. Robert Cronjé was an absolute pleasure to deal with and I received my order faster than expected at an excellent rate. Parcel was packed securely and arrived in perfect condition. Very happy new customer and looking forward to buying from Midlands Books soon again.
Ronald Howes profile picture
Ronald Howes
12 months ago
A real hidden gem for collectors of hard to get books. I was able to get a rare book I was looking for, and for a great price. The people who run this are very nice and was able to get my book shipped very quickly, despite having to have it shipped internationally to here in the states.
Tessa Vermeulen profile picture
Tessa Vermeulen
1 year ago
Stepping inside this bookstore was a delight! It immediately ranks among the best I've ever experienced. The care and dedication of the owner is palpable. It's the kind of place you could happily get lost in for hours. If you're nearby, this is an absolute must-visit. I can't recommend it enough.
Patrick Gildenhuys profile picture
Patrick Gildenhuys
1 year ago
An absolute pleasure to deal with Robert, at Midlands Books and Collectables. My books were extremely well packaged and protected, and shipping was super quick. I received my books 2 days after payment cleared. I will definitely be buying from them again, and highly recommend them. Patrick
Joanna Bocer profile picture
Joanna Bocer
1 year ago
I recently bought a book online from Midlands Books and the experience was great! Robert was very helpful and shipped the book to Spain. The book was a rare find and in pristine conditions! Would recommend 100%!
Jason McCormick profile picture
Jason McCormick
2 years ago
Absolutely INCREDIBLE treasure trove of the most collectible books, coins and artifacts I’ve seen and absolutely worth the trip out to the Old Mushroom Farm to visit this gem - you could get let in the store for a week and still not get to see everything! Incredible service to match the selection! A must see and worthy of the five stars and more!
John Kinghorn profile picture
John Kinghorn
2 years ago
Dawie Rotteveel profile picture
Dawie Rotteveel
2 years ago
Excellent service from Midlands Books. They searched for books and ordered books in for me. I’ll definitely be doing business with them again in future.
Andrew Mcdonnell profile picture
Andrew Mcdonnell
2 years ago
Great bookstore, we discovered this while in the Midlands. Great selection at great prices. Robert was so helpful as my genre was very specific.
Anele Molefe profile picture
Anele Molefe
2 years ago
Excellent service and communication. I ordered my book from another province and got it just in time. I had a delightful experience.
Cameron Mpumi profile picture
Cameron Mpumi
2 years ago
Got one of the most rare books here. The efficiency and professionalism is on another level. Love them
Terry Taylor profile picture
Terry Taylor
2 years ago
We discovered Midlands books and collectibles at the old mushroom farm and at horse shoe bend. You can spend hours browsing the incredible selection of books. The vast array of bird books is definitely worth the visit.
Tazmin Read profile picture
Tazmin Read
2 years ago
I discovered the most enchanting magical bookshop – a true hidden gem! The moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by shelves that seem to stretch into other worlds, filled with every kind of story imaginable. From secret passageways to cozy reading nooks, this shop has it all, creating an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a fairytale. The staff are as knowledgeable as they are welcoming, always ready to recommend your next great adventure. It’s not just a place to buy books; it’s a doorway to other world with the incredible domed roof of the mushroom farm. A must-visit for any book lover!
Canelle Friis profile picture
Canelle Friis
2 years ago
Utterly enchanting, in a unique and magical setting (an old mushroom farm tunnel in the beautiful, wooded Midlands Meander). This is hands-down one of the best bookstores I've ever perused (I'm serious about books and work for a major publishing house). The selection is incredible; I visited from Oxford (England) and was amazed at the very old, rare and precious gems on offer - books that would be snaffled up by auctioneers and collectors too quickly to even set eyes upon in the UK are waiting here at unbelievably good prices. There is something for every interest and price point; this is both a solid second-hand bookshop as well as collectible store. The owner was so friendly and took time to show my family and I some of the oldest, largest, and most unusual items in the collection. We were dazzled by a poetry book from the Renaissance period; signed first editions of books from authors as diverse as Douglas Adams and Muhammed Ali; antique children's illustrated books and even a hand-coloured illustrated South African bird book. The owner also had an impressive coin / currency collection which was fascinating to view. If the literature or objets d'art were not enough, there was also a delightfully cosy dog (pictured) - irresistible! I walked away a very happy customer and will go out my way to visit again when I'm next in South Africa.
Errol Douwes profile picture
Errol Douwes
3 years ago
Wow! Amazing diversity of previously owned and collectible books. I enjoyed the section on books about birds and birding - several shelves worth - just on this topic - including many rare and classic texts.
0