England · James I (1603–1625)
England Farthing Token — James I, Lennox Type 1 (1616)
About this coin
Obverse
A five-jewel crown surmounts crossed sceptres. The legend starts at the top, without an obverse privy mark.
Script: Latin
Lettering
IACO D G MAG BRIT
Translation
James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain.
Reverse
A bird-headed harp sits beneath a crown; the bell or tower stands near the beginning of the legend.
Script: Latin
Lettering
FRA ET HIB REX
Translation
King of France and Ireland; continuation of the obverse title.
Mints and mintmarks
Issued by private patentees under royal authority; not ordinary Tower-mint silver or gold.
Engraver and mintmaster marks
Reverse only: bell or tower.
Identification and varieties
Undated royal patent tokens, valued at a quarter penny. Dates are approximate issue attributions, not inscribed years. Letter forms, punctuation and harp details vary. A privy mark is a control device, not necessarily a mint location. Counterfeits require separate identification; a matching mark alone does not authenticate a piece.
Measurements
Recorded weights and diameters describe specimens. Thin copper flans vary substantially.
Years, mintmarks and variants
Tap an issue for details and places to find it.
| Year | Mint | Mintmark | Variant | Mintage | Notes | Find this issue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ND (1616) | England (patent workshop; location unconfirmed) | Bell | Seven harp strings | Recorded alignment 6h. | ||
| ND (1616) | England (patent workshop; location unconfirmed) | Tower | Six harp strings | Recorded alignment 12h. |
ND (1616)Seven harp strings
Recorded alignment 6h.
ND (1616)Six harp strings
Recorded alignment 12h.